WATER PLAY

Explore the closest whitewater rafting and kayaking to Portland, Oregon, on Mt. Hood Territory’s seven rivers and more than 40 lakes. Whether motorized or human powered, water play can happen fast on a jetboat ride or slowly as you relax at Bagby Hot Springs.

Follow the Sandy River Water Trail through epic to modest rapids or join a whitewater rafting trip on the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. Fish from a kayak or boat at the many lakes in The Territory. In the summer, take a plunge in the clear and refreshing waters in the great outdoors or at The Territory’s parks and aquatic centers.

Tour the Willamette River while dining aboard the Portland Spirit, a paddle wheel boat. Immerse yourself in some cultural history while floating in a replica Native American dugout canoe.

Learn how to kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). A number of guides and instructors deliver unforgettable water adventures. Rent boats, boards and other gear for DIY waterplay.

TRIP IDEAS

Our Rivers Are Ready For You This Summer

In Mt. Hood Territory, when the sun comes out, everyone heads to the water. There are numerous water sport activities to enjoy, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and whitewater rafting. You...

6 Ways to Enjoy the Clackamas River

The Congressionally designated Wild & Scenic Clackamas River has more than water play to boast about. check out our 6 best ways to play on - and near - the water for your next trip to Mt. Hood Territo...

Water good time at the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival

Summer cometh, and in Oregon that means one thing: time to hit the water, or in this case, white water. Do you know the Carter Bridge rapid? It’s one of the prettiest, trickiest and most easily a...

Whitewater Festival on the Upper Clackamas River

Favorite Lakes in Mt Hood Territory

Summer time is beloved in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. Hanging out at the lake, making memories with friends and family and enjoying the longer days is a dream. But which lake is best for you? It jus...

Circular photo, 90% which is Mt. Hood and the Mt. Hood National Forest looming over a sliver of Trillium Lake's blue waters.

Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival

The mighty Clackamas River runs deep this time of year fueled by spring rains and early snow melt, tantalizing thrill-seekers with its whitewater rapids. A gathering of enthusiasts who live to conque...

For Fun Just Add Water

From fishing for salmon to shooting rapids or kayaking on a peaceful lake, if you’re into water sports, then Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is the place for you. Our lakes and rivers are fanta...

Circular photo of snow-covered Mt. Hood with low cloud bank over foothills as seen from Trillium Lake

Fly fishing in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

They say a bad day fishing beats a good day working. It's even better when your good day working is fishing as I experienced this morning with Mark from The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches. I grew...

Fisherman in red shirt and waders using bright orange line on his reel stands in middle of Sandy River and casts his fly

Adventuring with Friends in Mt. Hood Territory

Grab your friends and paddle, yoga or hike your way through Mt. Hood Territory while still leaving time for some delicious craft beverages. So that takes it from a trifecta to a superfecta, right? Wh...

Six helmeted whitewater rafters and their guide lift their paddles as their blue raft floats through the river's ripples.

National Trails & Wild and Scenic Rivers Acts 50th Anniversaries

As if 50th Anniversaries aren't special enough, 2018 brings with it two 50th Anniversaries of wildly important environmental protections. One being the passage of the National Trails Act and the othe...

Arching wooden footbridge with Salmon River flowing beneath amid forest greenery at Wildwood Recreation Site near Welches

See Willamette Falls up close

Next to Mt. Hood, Willamette Falls is probably the most iconic and photographed location in all of Mt. Hood Territory. The sheer power of the falls combined with their scenic beauty and important rol...

Water flows over Willamette Falls on the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn.

Kayaking, Rafting and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Guides in Oregon's Mt Hood Territory

Summer is the perfect time to head to the refreshing rivers in Mt. Hood Territory. With endless adventure possibilities on the water you might not be taking advantage of some of the most fun class IV...