BEDH_Portland-28

Distance: 8.4 miles out and back

Hiking time: About 3 to 4 hours

Elevation gain: 170 feet

Trail surface: Dirt path, wood bridges

Best season: Open year-round; driest months, June through Oct

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Open all hours

Maps: USGS: Fish Creek Mountain; Maptech CD: Newport/Portland/Mount Hood/The Dalles; online trail map available at www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5405702.pdf

Trail contact: Mount Hood National Forest, Estacada Ranger Station, 595 Northwest Industrial Way, Estacada 97023; (503) 630-6861; www.fs.usda.gov/mthood/

Finding the trailhead: From I-205 in Southeast Portland, take exit 12A for OR 212/OR 224/Clackamas/Estacada. Head east for 3.5 miles and then veer right onto OR 224 toward Estacada. You’ll reach Estacada in about 14.0 more miles. From Estacada continue 25.0 miles east on OR 224 to a road junction (right after you cross the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River). Continue right toward Detroit/Bagby Hot Springs on FR 46. Almost immediately after making this turn, veer right into Rainbow Campground. Continue 0.3 mile through the campground to the trailhead at the end of the campground loop road. DeLorme: Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 66 D8. GPS: N45 4.65' / W122 2.59'

The Hike

This scenic river trail begins at Rainbow Campground, located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. This tributary of the Clackamas River is about 25.0 miles long; it flows into Timothy Lake and then flows out of the reservoir for about 16.0 miles and empties into the Clackamas River at Rainbow Campground. The riverside path twists and turns through immense red cedars surrounded by a shimmering green carpet of sword ferns. These amazing trees thrive in areas with a moist environment and are in demand by lumber mills. Trees that have escaped the logger’s ax can grow to be 200 feet high and 8 to 10 feet in diameter.

As you hike you’ll pass a boggy area at mile 1.4 that is filled with yellow skunk cabbage. This curious plant gives off a skunklike odor that is produced by sap in the flowers and attracts pollinating insects. Native Americans soaked the roots of this plant for many days before eating them. This soaking process helped leech out the calcium oxalate that can cause the throat and tongue to swell and can also cause temporary paralysis of the salivary glands. Flour was also made from the dried roots, and the leaves were used to make water containers and to relieve headaches and fevers.

Additional highlights on this trail include awesome swimming holes and many spectacular viewpoints of the Clackamas River. At mile 4.2 you’ll arrive at Riverside Campground (your turnaround point). After taking a break, retrace the same route back to the trailhead.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start by hiking south on the singletrack trail. Cross a creek with some large boulders.

2.5Pass a great viewpoint of the Clackamas River.

2.6Cross a wood bridge over a side creek. After crossing the bridge turn right and continue on the track signed RIVERSIDE TRAIL #723.

2.9Pass another great viewpoint of the Clackamas River.

3.1Continue straight (left).

3.6Pass an inviting swimming beach.

4.0Pass another great swimming hole.

4.1Arrive at the crest of a hill that gives you a commanding view of the river. From here begin a steep descent.

4.2Reach Riverside Campground (your turnaround point). (Restrooms and water are available here.) Retrace the same route back to your starting point.

8.4Arrive back at the trailhead.