South Fork Clackamas River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Fork Clackamas River |
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South Fork (right) entering main stem at Big Cliff (left)
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 Location of the mouth of the South Fork Clackamas River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Clackamas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near South Fork Mountain, Mount Hood National Forest Cascade Range, Clackamas County 3,966 ft (1,209 m) 45°05′31″N 122°15′12″W / 45.09194°N 122.25333°W |
| River mouth | Clackamas River Big Cliff, Clackamas County 676 ft (206 m) 45°11′56″N 122°13′27″W / 45.19889°N 122.22417°W |
| Length | 8 mi (13 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 27.6 sq mi (71 km2) |
The South Fork Clackamas River is a smaller river, about 8 miles (13 km) long. It flows into the Clackamas River in Oregon, a state in the United States. This river starts near South Fork Mountain in the western Cascade Range. It then flows mostly north through Clackamas County. Finally, it joins the larger Clackamas River at a place called Big Cliff. Most of the land drained by the South Fork is inside the Mount Hood National Forest.
The lower part of the South Fork Clackamas River is special. It is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means it is protected for its natural beauty and value. People can enjoy outdoor activities here, like hiking, camping, and fishing for trout. There is a 70-foot (21 m) waterfall on the river. This waterfall stops fish like salmon from swimming further upstream. They can only go about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) up the river from its mouth.
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Where Does the South Fork Clackamas River Flow?
The South Fork Clackamas River begins near South Fork Mountain. This mountain is in the Cascade Range. The river flows generally north through wild areas in the Mount Hood National Forest. At first, the 8-mile (13 km) river flows northwest. It goes under Forest Road 4540, which runs next to the river's left side for about 1 mile (1.6 km). Then, the river flows under Forest Road 45. This road follows the hills on both sides of the South Fork for most of its journey.
After Forest Road 45, the river turns to the northeast. About 4.2 miles (6.8 km) before it reaches its end, another stream joins it. This stream is called the East Fork of the South Fork Clackamas River. It flows in from the right side. Further downstream, Oscar Creek also joins from the right. Then, Memaloose Creek enters from the right, only 0.55 miles (0.89 km) from the river's mouth. Soon after, the river drops over the 70-foot (21 m) South Fork Clackamas River Falls. This is also known as South Fork Falls. Finally, it meets the Clackamas River at Big Cliff. This meeting point is about 35 miles (56 km) from where the Clackamas River joins the Willamette River.
What is a Wild and Scenic River?
A 4.2 miles (6.8 km) section of the South Fork Clackamas River is very important. This part, between the East Fork and the main Clackamas River, was named "wild" in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 2009. Rivers in this system are put into different groups. They can be "wild," "scenic," or "recreational." This depends on how easy it is to reach them and how much building is nearby. "Wild" rivers are usually the most untouched and natural.
The Land Around the South Fork Clackamas River
The area drained by the South Fork Clackamas River is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 17,648 acres (71.42 km2) or 27.6 square miles (71.5 km2) of rugged land. Most of this land is within the Mount Hood National Forest. The Clackamas Ranger District, which is part of the U.S. Forest Service, manages 79 percent of the land. The Bureau of Land Management takes care of 18 percent. Only 3 percent of the land is owned by private people.
The height of the land in the watershed changes a lot. It goes from 4,852 feet (1.479 km) high at South Fork Mountain. It then drops to 676 feet (206 m) at the river's mouth. Other river areas are next to the South Fork basin. Fish Creek is to the southeast. Streams that flow into the Molalla River are to the southwest. Clear Creek is to the northwest. And the Clackamas River itself is to the northeast.
Fun Things to Do at the South Fork Clackamas River
One hiking guide calls the South Fork Clackamas River "one of the most remote large streams in the state of Oregon." This means it's a bit harder to get to, but very natural. The Hillockburn Trail is the only way to reach the lower part of the river. This trail is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long if you go there and back. It is usually open from mid-March to December. The trail is considered moderately difficult. It goes up about 900 feet (270 m) in height.
The Hillockburn Trail starts from Forest Road 45, west of the river. It leads to a campsite right by the stream. People use this trail for many activities. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or backpacking. It also gives access to catch-and-release fishing for trout. This means you catch the fish and then let them go.
Plants and Trees You Might See
Along the trail, you will see many types of plants. The main trees are Douglas-firs and Western hemlocks. Underneath these tall trees, you'll find smaller plants. These include salal, sword fern, and Oregon-grape.
Fish in the River
A 70-foot (21 m) waterfall is located about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the river's mouth. This waterfall acts as a natural barrier. It stops fish from moving between the upper and lower parts of the river. Native fish like winter steelhead, spring Chinook salmon, and Coho salmon are found downstream of this waterfall. However, anglers (people who fish) are not allowed to catch these specific fish.
