September 11, 2022
19th Anniversary!
DOWN THE RIVER CLEANUP
on the
Clackamas River
how clean can a river get? Let's find out.
The 19th Anniversary of the Down the River Cleanup will be held Sunday, September 11th, 2022.
- This annual trash sweep at the end of summer covers a 20+ mile stretch of the Clackamas River from Estacada to the confluence with the Willamette River in Oregon City.
- The Clackamas Down the River Cleanup is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon.
- Each year an average of 200 volunteers rally together in rafts, kayaks, SCUBA gear, drift boats and any other safe vessel to scour the stream bed and banks for trash, collecting an average of 2 tons with over half recycled.
- Since 2003, over 40 tons of garbage — well over the approximate weight of one gray whale — has been removed from the Clackamas River by more than 4,500 volunteers. We wrap up the day with a free BBQ for all volunteers, complete with music, a raffle, and a silent auction.
Event Details & Schedule
**Please read the event schedule, safety precautions, and volunteer descriptions carefully as we’ve made several event changes in response to COVID-19.
Event Sites
- Milo McIver State Park (upper and lower boat ramp) – 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR
- Feldheimer Park – 19278 S Pioneer Crossing Ln, Estacada, OR 97023
- Barton Park – 19009 S Barton Park Rd, Boring, OR
- Carver Park – 14888 S Springwater Rd, Oregon City, OR
- High Rocks Park – Gladstone, OR
- Riverside Park – 17298 SE Water Ave, Clackamas, OR
- Clackamette Park- 1955 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR
Transportation & Parking
Please note that when you register, you have the option to choose one of four parks for your volunteer role (listed below). The morning of the cleanup, you will go directly to the park you registered at for check-in.
Please make sure to arrange YOUR OWN TAKE-OUT SHUTTLE VEHICLE. Parking is free at each of the parks for volunteers. Parking passes will be distributed via email the week prior to the event.
The Day's Schedule
8:00 – 11:00 AM Volunteers check in at designated stations. Shuttles for paddlers should be completed by noon at the latest.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Down the River Cleanup! Take your time. Look for all the little bits of litter, and perhaps find a treasure*
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free BBQ at Barton Park for all registered volunteers.
Local food, beverages from local breweries, live music and a silent auction to support future Down the River Cleanup efforts.
*Depending on section you choose to float, total time may be more than 3 hours; be prepared to plan your shuttle and start accordingly.
Safety
Safety is of our utmost concern. We work hard to provide you with helpful info during the day of the event – however, this information is advisory only. There is an inherent risk in boating on a river and cleaning up debris, and you assume all risks.
On-river volunteers must absolutely be a confident class II+ boater and be equipped with your own boat, paddle(s), life vest, whistle, helmet, and cellphone. There may not be a garbage scow/driftboat while your group is on the water, plan to bring the best watercraft for hauling your collected trash out (bags will be provided for collection). And plan to work together, with other boats, and help as needed.
- All volunteers MUST wear a life vest on river!
- In the event of an emergency dial 911.
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We recommend bringing GLOVES, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light rain jacket, a warm layer, hat,
fast-drying/wicking clothes, adequate river shoes, a dry bag and a first aid kit.
Food/Drink
Please eat a hearty breakfast, bring lots of snacks, and a water bottle!
BBQ at Barton Park (music and food) will begin at 3PM.
Lavatories
Restrooms are available at all parks. We recommend that you use one before you head down the river.
2022 Sponsors - this could be you!
Please email: info@welovecleanrivers.org
2021 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
(shown below)
THANK YOU AGAIN!
The Down The River Clean-Up is funded in part by Clackamas River Water Providers, Danner Boots, a grant from L.L. Bean and the American Canoe Association, City of Oregon City, and Clackamas County. Our many partners who make this event possible include SOLVE, WES, Oregon State Parks, Clackamas County Parks, Home Builders Association of Metro Portland, eNRG Kayaking and more.