Clack Fest 2025: Oregon’s Best Whitewater Festival Returns to the Clackamas River

If you love whitewater paddling in the Pacific Northwest, Clack Fest 2025 needs to be on your calendar. Held May 16–18 on the Clackamas River near Estacada, Oregon, this annual celebration of all things whitewater is back for its 39th year—and it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Whether you’re a whitewater kayaker, rafter, packrafter, SUP paddler, or just a fan of riverside action, the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is one of the most welcoming and fun river events in the country. With epic races, gear demos, camping, live music, and a strong community vibe, this is the weekend to kick off paddling season in Oregon.

Make sure to check out the Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center in Portland, or the Scappoose Bay location, or online for everything whitewater! Kayaks, Canoes, Rafts, Paddleboards and MORE! Our expert staff can get you into the best vessel for you. 

Founded in 1984 by the Northwest Rafter’s Association, Clack Fest (short for Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival) is one of the longest-running whitewater festivals in the U.S. It brings paddlers from all over the Pacific Northwest to race, reconnect, and celebrate the river.

Clack Fest is known for its inclusive, community-focused energy. It’s the kind of event where you can push yourself in a race or just soak in the scene from a camp chair at Carter Bridge. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned boater, there's a place for you here.

This year’s Clack Fest lineup includes whitewater races for nearly every type of craft, plus new events and plenty of chances to spectate or jump in. Some of the major events include:

Friday, May 16

• Festival Kickoff + Practice Laps
• Whitewater Polo (new for 2025!) – Two-person teams in single craft compete to move a ball downstream and score in a trash can goal. Chaotic, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind.

Saturday, May 17

• R-4 and R-2 Mass Start Raft Races
• Kayak Short Boat and Women’s Short Boat Downriver Races (new!)
• Packraft and Inflatable Kayak Slaloms
• Cataraft Slalom sponsored by Class V Adventure Gear
• Kayak Slalom Cross sponsored by Zet Kayaks USA
• Paddleboard Downriver
• Canoe Downriver, Oar Boat Slalom, and more

Sunday, May 18

• Long Boat Kayak Downriver
• SupSquatch Downriver
• R-4 Downriver
• “Love Your Club” Float Parade (new!) – Celebrate local paddling clubs like OWA, OKCC, and LCCC with a fun, casual group float.

One of the best things about Clack Fest is the chance to try out new boats and gear from top brands. You'll see demo fleets from:

• Alpacka Raft
• Kokopelli Packrafts
• Sotar
• AIRE
• Go Light Outdoors
• Clackamas River Outfitters
• Next Adventure
• Class V Adventure Gear, and more

You can try everything from creek boats and inflatables to ultralight packrafts and full cataraft setups—all while talking directly to the folks who build and use them.

Camping is available near the event site, and it's a big part of the festival culture. Evenings typically include live music, post-race awards, and plenty of good campfire conversation with the extended whitewater family.

The Clackamas River corridor is packed with scenic trails and natural hot springs, making it perfect for a full Clack Fest weekend getaway. Some nearby favorites include:

• Clackamas River Trail
• Bagby Hot Springs Trail
• Old Baldy Trail
• Various Forest Service roads with access to creeks and hidden gems

So even if you’re not racing, there's a ton to do off the water.

Clack Fest is more than just a whitewater event—it’s a celebration of Oregon’s paddling community. Whether you’re there to race, demo gear, volunteer, or just kick back and enjoy the river, it’s a weekend that reminds you why we love this sport.

Want to race, volunteer, or sponsor the event? Head to clackfest.com for registration and info.

As someone who paddles in the Northwest all year, Clack Fest always feels like the true start of summer. It’s where you reconnect with the river and the people who make this community what it is. Hope to see you there—boat loaded, stoke high, and ready for a great time.