Clackamas River Trail
Tuesday, March 22, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Overview
Clackamas River Trail is an 8-mile trail from Fish Creek, 16 miles east of Estacada, to Indian Henry Campground. It follows the river and Hwy 224. Pup Creek Falls, 4 miles in from either direction, is a popular destination for hikers. The area between Pup Creek and Indian Henry is in the wilderness. The trail meanders steeply up and down to the river several times on its 8-mile duration. Strong winds this past winter resulted in a great deal of tree fall, some of which resulted in significant trail damage. The Forest Service has done a lot of logging of the biggest trees, but damage-repair work remains, as well as annual tread maintenance.
Project description
About 1 mile upriver from Pup Creek Falls, two trees fell and the roots pulled away the trail, creating one root ball crater through which hikers must pass, and one area where the trail pulled away, forcing hikers to walk on treacherous surface. A joint TKO/Forest Service/Job Corps work party on March 8th did initial repair to make the trail safer, but more work remains on these two areas. If volunteer resources and time permit, work can also be done on the trail tread.
Hiking information
The work party will begin at pullout near MP45 on Hwy 224, (see directions below) at the site of a work-party approved steep shortcut that cuts out over a mile of hiking down from Indian Henry Campground. The hike to the work site is about 1.5 miles over rolling terrain.
What to expect
No experience is necessary. You will be working with experienced crew leaders to repair damaged sections of the trail and, if time permits, doing tread work such as removing berms and brushing. You should be prepared to hike on terrain that is muddy, uneven and sometimes steep while carrying your day pack and work tools. Caution will be needed by all hikers.
What to bring
Lunch and plenty of water.
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Work gloves
Extra set of clothes to change into in case it is wet
What to wear
Boots (tennis shoes are not allowed
Work gloves
Long sleeve shirt recommended
Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses). TKO will supply hard hats and safety glasses if needed.
Directions
We will meet at the Fish Creek trailhead and caravan or car pool about 8 miles to the starting point. From I-205, take the Clackamas-Estacada/Hwy224 exit. Go east through Estacada. Continue on Hwy 224 approximately 16 miles. You will see a sign indicating Fish Creek Campground on the right. Once you make the turn off Hwy 224, you will cross a bridge over Fish Creek and see the entrance to the campground. Go past this entrance. A very short distance later, you will see a turnout on the right to the trailhead parking lot.
Please sign up here.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Thank you for supporting Oregon's hiking trails!
Volunteer with TKO! Clackamas River Trail, March 22
Re: Volunteer with TKO! Clackamas River Trail, March 22
This trail crew is now full, but we hope that you'll just us for an upcoming work party. Thanks!