What is a watershed?
Most people hear the word "watershed" and don't know exactly what to think. Common answers to the "what is a watershed?" question include "a wetland" or "a shed." However, a watershed is actually a land mass. Think about it this way: when it rains, water flows to different rivers, depending on where you're located. If a drop of rain fell on Damascus, for example, it would eventually make its way to the Clackamas River, which means we're in the Clackamas watershed. If you were located in Salem, however, your raindrop would eventually enter the Willamette, placing you in the Willamette watershed.

Image courtesy www.sanduskyriver.org

For more information about your watershed, you might check out the
EPA's "Surf Your Watershed" page, which is a great resource!

Oregon's Clackamas River flows from its headwaters on Ollalie Butte, just south of Mt. Hood, west into the Willamette River near Oregon City. It drains a total area (watershed) of nearly 1000 square miles, ranging from Cascade forests and mountain meadows, to farmland and suburban neighborhoods.

The Clackamas watershed supplies high-quality drinking water to over 200,000 people, generates hydro-electric power, hosts many productive farms and nurseries, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The Clackamas is well known for its steelhead fishing and whitewater recreation.