21st Annual Down the River Cleanup

How clean can a river get? Let’s find out!

Who: the Clackamas River Basin Council, We Love Clean Rivers, and volunteers – like you!
What: The Clackamas Down the River Cleanup is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon. After we clean the river, we gather at Barton Park for a BBQ celebration.
When: September 8, 2024 from 9 am – 4 pm
Where: There are four sections to choose from (Milo McIver to Barton Park, Barton Park to Carver Park, Carver Park to Riverside Park, Riverside Park to Clackamette Park).
Why: More than a decade ago, an “explosion of trash” on the river was the impetus for the event. Trash on the river threatens not only the river’s scenic beauty, but it also harms fish and wildlife and impairs drinking water quality.

(takes you to EventBrite)

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy floating down the Clackamas River while also joining your community in removing litter and debris that accumulate over the busy summer season.

Organized by the Clackamas River Basin Council and We Love Clean Rivers, this fun event typically brings over 200 volunteers to a section of the Clackamas River between Estacada and Oregon City.

Information about the 2024 Down the River Cleanup:

Volunteers help us clean 22-mile stretch of the Clackamas River from Estacada to the confluence with the Willamette River in Oregon City.
Each year an average of 200 volunteers rally together in rafts, kayaks, SCUBA gear, drift boats and any other safe vessel to scour the stream bed and banks for trash, collecting an average of 2 tons with over half recycled.
Since 2003, over 42 tons of garbage — well over the approximate weight of one gray whale — has been removed from the Clackamas River by more than 4,500 volunteers.
We wrap up the day with a free BBQ for all volunteers, complete with music, a raffle, and a silent auction.