The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The South Fork of the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River in Oregon is a 4.2-mile-long river segment that is considered one of the most remote streams in the state. This section of the larger Clackamas River extends along the west edge of the Cascade Mountain Range and is surrounded by scenic vegetation and hilly slopes. A highlight of this river is its 100-foot waterfall, which is located toward the lower end of the river route and makes a drop through a narrow canyon lush with old-growth pine trees.
The South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that ensures the river and land around it remains clean and safe for the wildlife that calls it home. The BLM also maintains the Pratt truss bridge that crosses the river near Memaloose Road, a great point of interest for all visitors to the river. This bridge was once used by road traffic but is now open to hikers and bikers only, and it leads visitors to and from a day-use area on the river's edge where swimming and fishing are popular.
The difficult Memaloose Trail leads to Memaloose Lake and the Clackamas Falls.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The South Fork Mountain Trail also leads to Memaloose Lake before continuing with a steep incline to the top of South Fork Mountain.
Length: 3.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Salmon Butte Trail requires a National Forest Service pass to use but includes a long route through the scenic wilderness.
Length: 12.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Catch and release fishing is permitted along the banks of the South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River, and anglers can catch trout here in this way. Coho salmon also swim the waters year-round, while steelhead come in the winter and Chinook salmon come in the spring. However, these species are protected in this section of the river and are not permitted to be caught or caught and released. Even when fishing in a catch and release manner, anglers are required to have a valid Oregon fishing license to fish in the South Fork of the Clackamas River.
Kayaking and white water rafting are possible in the South Fork Clackamas River, although this river is quite rough and includes rapids Class II to IV. Many trees and rocks are scattered throughout the water, too, making for a great paddling challenge. For rafters who enjoy riding small falls, you can start out in the river after hiking to the point where the South Fork Clackamas River joins the Memaloose Creek, which can be accessed via National Forest Road 45. You can then enjoy the rapids until you approach the point where the South Fork Clackamas River merges into the larger Clackamas River.
The South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River offers great wildlife viewing and photographing opportunities. The old-growth vegetation along the water's edge includes Douglas firs, western hemlocks, salals, sword ferns, and Oregon grapes. Seasonal deer and elk frequent the area, and spotted owls and bald eagles can be spotted above the river year-round. Plenty of small waterfalls are included in the length of the river, making for great photo opportunities if you are interested in hiking along the river's banks.
There are no picnic areas set up along the South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River, but there is a wide, flat ground area at the recreation area on the other side of the Pratt tuss bridge that is popular with picnickers. Many visitors like to have lunch on the rocks by the river's edge here, and you can, too, so long as you clean up after yourself. For proper cleanup, consider bringing along small trash bags to use since there are no garbage or recycle bins in this recreation area.
If you would like to camp somewhere close to the South Fork Clackamas River with full hookups, check out a place like Promontory Park Campground, which has bathroom and shower facilities and unique campsites. You can also go RV camping with hookups at Marine Park Campground, which also offers free Wi-Fi.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me, check out a BLM-managed campground close to the South Fork Clackamas River. One option you have is Yellowbottom Campground, a small campground along Yellowstone Creek that has pit toilets. Another option you have is the Twin Springs Campground, which offers pit toilets and dumpsters for visitors to use. Both of these locations are Bureau of Land Management free camping options, and you do not have to make reservations for your stay.
The South Fork Clackamas River is home to a large population that enjoys using the caves along the river, and it has been reported that some bats here have contracted white nose syndrome, a lethal disease that has wiped out bat populations all over the western US. To help stop the spread of this disease in this area, the BLM asks visitors to simply clean their shoes before and after accessing the river banks, specifically the caves.
If you plan on camping at any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to pack everything you will need for a primitive stay, like water and battery or solar-operated devices. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River visitors are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines to help keep the river clean. You can follow these guidelines by doing things like picking up your equipment and trash, leaving things you find where they belong, and burying human and pet waste at least 50 feet from the water.
You can access the South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River via the Memaloose Bridge. To reach this bridge, take Oregon Highway 224 East from Estacada. Follow the road for 9.5 miles, and then the bridge will be on the left.
Ready to visit South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
