Accessible Kayaking On The Clackamas River

By Guest Author: Evita Rush

Exploring the outdoors can feel challenging when you use a wheelchair, but places like Milo McIver State Park in Estacada, Oregon are helping to change that perception. Tucked along the Clackamas River, this park is known for its lush forests, scenic trails and especially, its water recreation. For myself, kayaking is more than just a sport: it’s a way to connect with nature, push past limitations and feel fully present in the outdoors. Thanks to adaptive resources, I’m discovering that opportunities to get out on the water are more accessible than I once thought.

On the morning of my adventure, I packed the essentials: water, sunscreen, snacks and a healthy dose of excitement. There’s always some anticipation when I am heading out on an adventure, but as a wheelchair user, there’s also an extra layer of planning. I double-checked that I had what I needed and confirmed that the park and outfitters would have the adaptive equipment ready. That preparation alone gave me peace of mind before even arriving.

Pulling into Milo McIver State Park, I was immediately impressed with the thought put into accessibility. The parking lot had clearly marked accessible spots, which meant unloading and getting organized was straightforward instead of stressful. From the parking area, paved pathways made it possible to get down toward the kayak launch. Accessibility in outdoor spaces isn’t just about ramps — it’s about creating an environment where you can focus on the experience, not the barriers. Here, I could feel that effort at every step.

Checking in with Clackamas River Outfitters, who has an outpost at Milo McIver, was simple, welcoming and encouraging. The staff didn’t just provide gear; they provided reassurance. They walked me through my equipment options and helped adjust the adaptive seating in the kayak for both comfort and support. It might seem like a small detail, but that extra effort made all the difference. When you’re about to head out on the water, knowing your equipment has been set up with your needs in mind builds both confidence and excitement.

Once everything was adjusted just right, I was helped into the kayak. I wasn’t afraid to ask for a hand, and I’m glad I didn’t hold back — sometimes accessibility is just as much about accepting help as it is about independence. With a final push, I was gliding out into the Clackamas River.

The moment my paddle hit the water, everything else faded away. I wasn’t thinking about accessibility or equipment anymore; I was simply moving with the current and enjoying the river. Calm stretches of water gave me time to find my rhythm, while the natural scenery kept me in awe. I spotted birds along the shoreline and listened to the quiet hum of the forest around me. Kayaking that day wasn’t just recreation — it was freedom.

By the end of the day, I realized that preparation, adaptive equipment and a supportive team had combined to make something I once thought impossible into one of my favorite outdoor experiences. Milo McIver State Park, together with the inclusive approach of Clackamas River Outfitters, showed me that kayaking is not only accessible, it’s inviting.

For any wheelchair user considering kayaking, my advice is simple: plan ahead, ask for what you need and don’t hesitate to lean on the resources available. The river is there for all of us, and with the right support, it’s yours to explore.