Landslide Toe Side Channel Reconnection Project

CRBC is constructing the Landslide Toe Side Channel Reconnection Project through winter of 2027.

Just upstream of the confluence of Eagle Creek, the Clackamas River flows past a 72-acre area with wetlands, riparian forest and nearly 5,000 feet of side-channel habitat. This area has significant potential to provide important habitat for fish and wildlife, but many of its natural functions have been disrupted.

The Landslide Toe Side Channel Reconnection Project will restore and enhance this habitat by reconnecting the side channel and floodplain to the river, adding large wood and boulders, improving wetlands, and restoring native vegetation.

Outcomes of this project include:

• Reconnection and enhancement of a 5,000′ side-channel
• Enhance 4.5 acres of wetland habitat
• Increased fish access to riparian floodplain areas
• Replanting approximately 72 acres with native trees and shrubs
• Installation of large wood structures along the side channel for added habitat complexity.

Is this project be visible from the river?

Recreationist and anglers can see evidence of the enhanced side channel while they enjoy a float from Milo McIver State Park to Barton Park. CRBC’s contractor will deepen the channel on the right side of the river while heading downstream. You may be able to see willow stakes sticking up out of the ground where we replanted the area. 

What are side channels?

Side channels are offshoots of a main river channel, splitting off and reconnecting futher down. They have slower water, more shade, and more abundant food for all types of wildlife.

Isaac Sanders, CRBC’s Restoration Projet Manager says, “If you think of the Clackamas River like a freeway, these side channels are like rest areas where juveniles can eat, rest, and avoid predators. Fish species such as Chinook and Coho Salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey will benefit from these side channel rest areas and get stronger and more equipped to handle their road trip to the ocean.”

Side channels are complex habitat systems consisting of floodplains, ponds, and woody habitat that provide the necessary rearing environment for young fish as they migrate downstream. Today, few high quality side-channel habitats remain in the Clackamas River below River Mill Dam. Development, land management, power generation and other habitat altering activities change natural river systems and contribute to the loss of these side-channels.

How are salmon doing in the Clackamas River?

While salmon and many other fish populations are declining to the point of being listed on the federal Endangered Species List (ESA), the Clackamas River and its tributaries support some of the healthiest fish populations in the region. Side channel enhancement projects such as this further our efforts to recover these populations.

How is the project funded?

This project was funded by the Oregon Water Enhancement Board through their Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The newly constructed side channel will be further stewarded by Metro, the landowners who have been champions of this project since its inception. We thank all our partnering residents for their support through this project!

The Clackamas River Basin Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of fostering partnerships for clean water and to improve fish and wildlife habitat and the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate in the watershed.  

Please help support our salmon recovery work!