2025 River Cleanups: Volunteers Remove Over 3,500 lbs of Trash from the Clackamas

This fall, our community showed once again what’s possible when people come together to care for the river we all love. Between the Down the River Cleanup and the Upper Clackamas Cleanup, a combined 214 volunteers removed more than 3,500 pounds of trash from the Clackamas River and its surrounding forests.

These cleanups protect wildlife, safeguard drinking water, and keep our recreation areas safe and beautiful — and none of it would be possible without our volunteers.

Down the River Cleanup – September 7, 2025

This year’s Down the River Cleanup was our largest since 2018 — and one of our most impactful.

With 179 incredible volunteers, we cleaned a 22-mile stretch of the Clackamas River, removing an impressive 2,760 pounds of trash. From Milo McIver to Barton, Barton to Carver, and Riverside to Clackamette, all three sections saw more trash removed than in the past six years.

What we found

Volunteers pulled all kinds of unusual items from the river, including:

• Two shopping carts

• Cell phones

• Tires

• Sunglasses and flip flops

• Vape pens

• Popped floaties
  … and countless smaller items that don’t belong in the river.

Why it matters

Every piece of trash removed helps protect water quality, fish habitat, and the thousands of people who rely on the Clackamas for drinking water and recreation.

Photos

View and share images in the Down the River Cleanup 2025 album.

Thank you, sponsors!

This huge effort was made possible thanks to support from Metro, Clackamas County Water Environment Services, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, Tigard Water District, Portland General Electric, Northwest Steelheaders, eNRG Kayaking, Clackamas River Water Providers, Warn Employee Community Impact Program, and SOLVE.

Upper Clackamas Cleanup – September 27, 2025 (National Public Lands Day)

Later in the month, 35 dedicated volunteers headed into the Wild and Scenic Upper Clackamas and Collawash Rivers to restore heavily used dispersed campsites. In just three hours, they removed 760 pounds of trash and recycling from 34 forest campsites.

What volunteers found

Unfortunately, forest dumping continues to be a major problem. This year’s haul included:

• Ammunition

• Mattresses

• Broken furniture

• Dumped waste

• Hazardous materials such as oil and batteries

Removing these items prevents harmful pollutants from entering the Clackamas River — critical habitat for salmon and steelhead — and keeps recreation sites safe and welcoming.

What volunteers said

Every volunteer who filled out the survey rated the event a perfect score, and 100% said they plan to return next year. Here were some favorite moments:

“Being out on the Clackamas again while cleaning it up so others can enjoy it.”
“Seeing how many people showed up to help was lovely and being helpful, part of the solution, feels good in and of itself!”
“Collecting trash with such congenial people and working with two retired forest service people.”
“Walking through the woods, working with others to make the campsites more enjoyable.”

Photos

View and share images in the Upper Clackamas Cleanup 2025 Album.

Thank You, Volunteers

To every volunteer who showed up — whether on the water or deep in the forest — thank you. Your time, energy, and care make a real and lasting difference for the river, for wildlife, and for the communities that depend on the Clackamas every single day.

We can’t wait to see you again in 2026.