South Fork Clackamas River

Update 2026: The BLM has installed gates on all the tunnels on the approach, effectively closing this route into the canyon. Effectively, the canyon is closed until a new means of access is built or found. Now open, be mindful with the risks associated with canyoning in recent burns. The soil was scorched and the regrowth can be very overwhelming. South Fork Clackamas River is a great canyon with high water even in the middle of summer. It is best combined with Memaloose Creek. Tunnel's history: https://wyeastblog.org/2010/02/13/proposal-south-fork-water-works-trail/

The best S Fork approach is to park at the exit and walk cross the Clackamas river upstream of the gravel bar parking area. The water is chest deep. New ways to access needs to be developed. Please only go if you are adventurous and looking to add access points that don’t include the tunnels.

It is possible to explore Memaloose Creek. The creek is generally clear of debris, making it a fairly easy and pleasant stream walk. The R4 rappel is located downstream, just below the confluence with Memaloose Creek.

Caution: Yellow jackets live and around downed trees!! DCL: Creek walk until you find a decent place to climb up to the approach trail. Usually this is beside a fallen tree because it gives you something to hold onto. Exit the way you came in. DCR: Creek walk till you get to logjams blocking the river. Exit DCR and bushwack to the Clackamas River. Swim across upstream of the parking area gravel bar.