Rating the Rapids Welcome to If you have ever considered whitewater boating, then you’ve probably seen the terms Class I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. But what do they mean? The Wild and Scenic The “International Scale of River Difficulty” is used to categorize river rapids on a scale of I to VI — with Class I Upper Clackamas River being the easiest. The system is not exact. Rivers do not always fit neatly into — Mt. Hood National Forest — one category and people interpret the classes differently. Variables in water and weather can also change a river’s difficulty. So, a class rating is only a guide. If you’re headed Whitewater Recreation Map out, check several sources beforehand and stay alert. To Estacada 224 North Fork Dam Rapid Location (Class noted) North Fork Clackamas River River Access Point (Hwy mile noted) Campground Toilets Promontory Park (mp 31.0) Rapid Classifications Promontory Nemesis (II) Trailhead Class I: Easy Bob’s Hole (III) Fast moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions. Toilet Bowl (III-IV) Class II: Novice Memaloose Rapids with waves up to three feet. Wide, clear channels that (mp 33.5) Moore Creek Rock and Roll (III) Whitewater Safety (mp 35.3) are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering • Wear a personal flotation device is required. Slingshot (II+) and helmet Lazy Bend Class III: Intermediate • Dress for hypothermic conditions Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping • Never boat under the influence an open boat. Narrow passages that often require complex • Know the river maneuvering. May require some scouting from shore. Big Eddy Hole in the Wall (III+) • Scout ahead for river hazards Class IV: Advanced • Never go paddling alone Big Eddy (II) Long, difficult rapids and constricted passages that often Roaring River require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting • Avoid extremes of water and weather Carter Bridge (III-IV) Carter Bridge Hole in • Know your limits South Fork Clackamas River the Wall from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue Lockaby (mp 41.0) difficult. Paddlers should have a reliable roll. • Pack out litter Carter Bridge (mp 38.8) Armstrong NF54 Class V: Expert Your safety is your responsibility. Fish Creek Roaring River Extremely difficult.ong, L very violent rapids with highly Fish Creek Roaring River (III-III+) (mp 39.2) congested routes, which nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult, and there is a significant (III) Fish Creek Sunstrip Armstrong hazard to life in the event of a mishap. Ability to roll is essential. Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids Maze (II) Difficulties of Class V carried to thextreme e of navigability. Pup Creek Falls Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study has been made and all precautions have (II-III) Fish Creek Fish Creek been taken. Pup Creek The Narrows (III) Source: American Canoe Association, Know Your Limits Oak Grove Powerhouse 205 Overview Map Powerhouse (III-IV) 212 26 (mp 45.7) Sandy Sandstone Bridge NF4620 211 Clackamas River 224 Welches Zizag Ranger Station Indian Henry Estacada Ranger Station 224 Estacada Milo McIver Government Camp State Park 26 North Fork MT. HOOD Reservoir NATIONAL FOREST MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST River Clackamas 211 The Upper Clackamas River Clackamas River Whitewater Recreation Area To Hwy 26 Timothy Lake NF42 NF57 Clackamas River Oak Grove Fork Lake Harriet 224.