Event: May Club Meeting

Location: Flying Pie Pizza - 7804 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

Website:  http://www.flying-pie.com/locations/portland

Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Schedule:     

• 6:00 – 6:30     Social Time with Pizza
• 6:30 - 7:15      Club Business
• 7:15 - 8:15      Presentation
• 8:15 - 8:30      Clean-up

Speaker: 

Sam Drevo
Director
Northwest River Guides LLC / eNRG Kayaking

Topic: Continuing the Legacy of the Pacuare River, Costa Rica

Speaker Bio:

Sam Drevo has been an OWA member since 2006 and has been leading the annual spring river safety workshop ever since to help club members stay sharp with their self assessment, practical, and technical river safety skills. He was a member of the US Canoe and Kayak Team for over a decade in five disciplines of the sport, and won the extreme kayak world championships in 2001 at the NBC Gorge Games.  Sam also won a silver and bronze medal with Team USA at the 2016 world rafting championships in Abu Dhabi (where he last saw Rafa Gallo). Sam has spent two and a half decades teaching, stewarding rivers and exploring -  over 49 international whitewater expeditions to 27 different countries.  When he isn't traveling, Sam is busy teaching kayaking (kids camps) and running raft trips & kayak instruction based in Oregon City with Northwest River Guides / eNRG Kayaking. He also spreads the river stewardship ethic through his work with We Love Clean Rivers 501c3 (on the Clackamas, Willamette, N Santiam, Sandy, and Deschutes Rivers among others).  

In Feb of 2022, Sam became a general partner in the acquisition of Rios Tropicales Pacuare River Lodge and 270 acres of deeded primary and secondary rainforest on one of the most pristine and scenic whitewater rivers in world according to National Geographic (along with three other general partners and 18 investors- including Callie and Ben Corrado of the OWA). The project was rebranded as Rios Lodge and through significant investment and hard work, Sam is proud to share the images and story of this incredible venture fortifying a completely off grid river lodge for the next generation.  Take a visual trip with Sam to Costa Rica to see one of the most important biological corridors in Central America, and learn about the inspiring conservation legacy running through the heart of the project. 

Description: Come on down, enjoy pizza, salad and refreshments with fellow boaters.

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Event: Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival

Location: Carter Bridge (16 Miles SE of Estacada on Hwy 224)

Date: May 15th - May 17th, 2026 (Hours are 10 am to 4 pm each day)

Rating: Class III to IV

Length: Various 

Contact: www.upperclackamasfestival.org 

AW River Description: Sandstone Bridge to Weigh Station: American Whitewater

River Levels: Three Lynx Gauge @ American Whitewater

Event Information:

Whitewater boaters from around the western states and local area converge on the third weekend of May to compete in a gated slalom course that involves rafters, catboaters, hard shellers, inflatable kayakers, stand up paddlers and drift boaters. They compete for awards and bragging rights! The festivity area at Carter Bridge also has boating and gear vendors, food, drinks, sign up booth, silent auction and information booths. Come on up to either compete, watch the event or socialize with other boaters and see what is new in the boating community regarding boats and equipment. Good time will be had by all.

References:

Soggy Sneakers by WKCC, Paddling Oregon by Robb Keller, Oregon River Tours by John Garren.

River: Upper Klickitat River (Parrot Crossing to Leidl Bridge)

Location: Glenwood, Washington

Date: Saturday, May 23th - Monday, May 25th, 2026 (Memorial Weekend)

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.- All Day Event 

Rating: Class III+

Length: 19 Miles

Contact: Steve Herring ~ steve@raftalot.com 

AW River Description: Parrots Crossing to Leidl: American Whitewater 

River Levels: Pitt Gauge @ American Whitewater 

Trip Summary:

We will boat the Upper Klickitat River on Saturday, May 23th for 19 miles taking out at Leidl Campground. Sunday we'll do it again! The option for a shorter trip is unavailable this year due to construction at the hatchery. Camping will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Doug & Nancy Smith's property just outside Glenwood, WA. Saturday night we'll have a potluck dinner and bonfire. For sure we will run the river Saturday and Sunday. Monday is TBD - We could run the White Salmon if folks are up for that. Or the 11-mile Lower Klickitat from Minieral Springs to Turkey Hole. So come up for the whole weekend or whatever portion works for you.

Hazards:

The first half of the trip is class III+, continuous cold water with the possibility of some significant tree hazards. Swims can be dangerous, so wet suits or dry suits are recommended and a class IV attitude with constant attention to the oars is needed. The second half mellow somewhat to a class II+ to III run and is less continuous. The two sections are separated by the Yakama Fish Hatchery where there is road access (BUT NOT THIS YEAR) to the river and an opportunity to pick up less adventurous passengers (i.e. kids). We will stop above the hatchery and scout the dam on the left in order to see exactly where the rebar is. Do not run the dam on the right side! If anyone might wants to run earlier in the week, Steve and Doug will probably check the river for wood so get ahold of Steve if you want to help with that.

Signups:

You must sign up for this trip by emailing the trip leader, Steve Herring (steve@raftalot.com). This trip is limited to 18 rafts, split into two groups of 9 if necessary. Let Steve know if you will be participating in the potluck (and what you might like to bring) and which days you want to boat. Also, let him know if you have a paddle raft and you're looking for paddlers, or if you'd like to join a paddle raft. If you don't know these details yet, that's fine but the more information you can give as to your plans, the better. Trip participants will be emailed additional details regarding the facilities at the Smith property including the directions to get there. More details about the potluck will also be emailed so we don't end up all bringing the same thing.

Reference: Whitewater Rivers of Washington by Jeff  and Tonya Bennett, Washington Whitewater by Douglass A. North. 

River: Lower Cispus River (Iron Creek to Lake Scanewa)

Location: Randle, Washington

Date: Tenitive Dates: Tuesday, May 26th - Saturday, May 30th, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.- All Day Event 

Rating: Class III to III+

Length: 11.5 Miles

Contact: Scott Harvey ~ hadjimann@yahoo.com 

AW River Description: Cispus - 4 - Road 28 Bridge to Scanewa Reservoir (The Lower) | American Whitewater

River Levels: Cispus River Gauge near Randle @ Cispus - 4 - Road 28 Bridge to Scanewa Reservoir (The Lower) | American Whitewater

Trip Summary:

The actual dates on boating this section of the Lower Cispus River are still tenitive at this time (depending on who's interested on rafting this section and when). I will be on the Upper Klickitat River during the Memorial weekend and will be heading to the Cispus River after spending the Memorial weekend at Glenwood, Wash. We'll be camping at the Forest Service Tower Rock Campground on the South side of the Cispus and just off NF Rd. #76 during the week. Most of the sites at this campground at first come, first get. We will be launching near Iron Creek, off NF Road #76 and take out at the left bank boat ramp on Lake Scanewa. This 11.5 mile stretch has numerous class II+ to class III rapids within this section of the Lower Cispus. Iron Gate, Rollarcoaster, Lets Make A Deal, Lion's Jaw and Double Trouble are some of the rapids we'll encounter on this section. Note: This will be an explotory trip on this section of the Lower Cispus River. However, I'm familiar with the area, scouted this section several times and I've also boated the tougher Class 4 Upper section of the Cispus several times.   

Location: USFS Horseshoe Bend CG - Deer Flat Group Camp

Date: Thursday, May 28 - Sunday, May 31, 2026

Rating: Class III-III+ (IV)

Length: 16 Miles

Contact: Walt Bammann 

AW River Description: Click on: American Whitewater

River Levels: Gauge above Copeland Ck @ American Whitewater 

Trip Information: 

This is a beautiful class III-III+ (IV) river and is pool and drop in nature. The run is from Boulder Flat to Gravel Bin. Pinball Rapid is Class IV and trip length is roughly 16 miles.

We will be boating the North Umpqua River both Friday, Saturday and maybe Sunday.

NWRA and OWA have camping reservations at Horseshoe Bend Campground in the Deerflat group area. Camping fees are paid by both clubs and is free only at the Deerflat group camp area (Thursday, May 29th through Sunday, June 1st). Horseshoe Bend Campground is located approximately 40 miles east of Roseburg on Oregon 138. This is car camping style and is a fully self-supported event. There are bathroom amenities provided.  

We will organize shuttle by 9:00 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday morning. Potluck and Dutch oven cook off competition is on Saturday night with prizes for first, second and third place for main dish, side dish and dessert. If you don't wish to enter Dutch oven you can of course bring anything for the potluck. Feel free to bring or prepare any entree, side dish or dessert. 

Please contact trip coordinator for further details or to sign up. 

OWA Coordinator: N/A   

NWRA leader: Walt Bammann 

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/umpqua/recreation/recarea/?recid=64866

And here's detailed instructions on how to get there:

From the North Umpqua Ranger Station (16 miles east of Roseburg on State Highway 138), take Highway 138 east 30 miles to Road #4750 near Milepost 48. Turn right on Road #4750 and right again on Road #4750-001. The campsite is to the right at first road junction inside the Horseshoe Bend Campground.

Additional Information: 

The annual joint camp-out on the Upper North Umpqua is being co-hosted with NWRA. We’ve reserved the Deerflat Group area at Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend campground is mid-way down the section of river we'll be boating. Deerflat sits on a bench just above the main Horseshoe Bend campground loops. It has lots of room to pitch tents but the hardened sites suitable for RV’s are limited, so RVs are given priority. We will squeeze vehicles in wherever possible and somehow it all works out. Camping is paid for by the clubs.  Reservations are not needed. Come for one or multiple nights or just come for the day. This is a dog-friendly event, but they must be kept on a leash. 

Highlights of the outing include boating the Boulder Flat to Gravel Bin section. We always float on both Friday and Saturday and sometimes occasionally on Sunday. The Boulder Flat section is a class 3 to 4 run with Pinball being the most technical. We’ve had over 20 boats on the river at times so folks new to the river can follow an experienced boater. There are usually several paddle rafts going so there may be open spots for folks without a boat who want to paddle. Also, many oared rafts will have a spot to ride if paddling doesn’t pan out. The water is quite cold, and the weather is variable so dress accordingly. Wetsuits, splash gear and dry suits are a better bet than just a swimsuit. Lunch is on the river and both clubs request that alcoholic beverages only be consumed in camp. We ask that boaters drive into the Deerflat area by 9 AM on Friday and Saturday so we can set-up the shuttles. Due to the number of boats, we usually have or try to minimize the number of trailers going to the put-in. There may be other groups trying to launch at Boulder, so efficiency is critical. Plan on stacking boats on trailers as much as possible. If feasible, we may try to run the shuttle before launching to smooth things at the takeout.

Deerflat Campground does not have hookups for RVs but does have water, flush toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. Bring appropriate camping gear to include chairs, table service, your own beverages, stoves and meals. There is a potluck Saturday night, but other meals are on your own. The potluck is highlighted by the dutch oven contest. There are some amazing cooks always trying to one-up the competition. We have prizes for the winners in main dish, side dish and dessert categories. Don’t feel like you have to cook with a dutch oven (or even a stove) as we need salads and other similar dishes. If you like to eat, the potluck is worth attending just for the gourmet dishes. Bring your own charcoal, tools, serving spoons, etc.  Also, we can use extra tables for the food, so outfitter tables and folding tables are appreciated. Firewood may be in limited supply so if you can, bring some wood.

References: 

Soggy Sneakers by WKCC, Paddling Oregon by Robb Keller Oregon River Tours by John Garren

Location: USFS Horse Creek Campground - McKenzie Bridge, OR

Note: We have Horse Creek Group Camp reserved for 5 day's and 4 nights during early July. Come on down and camp a couple nights or all week long. As well as rafting, there's also other outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and hot springs. 

Date:  Thursday, July 9th, 2026 thru Monday, July 13th, 2026

Rating: Class II+ to III+

Length: Various Sections with Lengths 9 to 13 Miles Each

Contact: Brenda Bunce, brenda.bunce@gmail.com 

AW River Description: Olallie to Paradise: American Whitewater

Frissell to Finn Rock: American Whitewater

Finn Rock to Leaburg Dam: American Whitewater

River Levels: Vida Gauge @ American Whitewater

Trip Information: 

Join us for an OWA Board sponsored week of rafting on the scenic McKenzie River. OWA has paid for the group campsite reservations at Horse Creek Group Camp for Wednesday, June 25th through 12pm on Sunday, June 29th. Potluck and Dutch oven dinners have yet to be determined (Dutch Oven is Encouraged). Breakfast, lunch and most dinners will be on your own.

This is a beautiful and scenic Class II-III+ river.

Option #1: Paradise to Bruckert, 9 miles. The first few miles are of a continuous class II.

Option #2: Frissell to Bruckert Bridge, 13 miles. Rapids are class II to II+ in nature.

Option #3: Olallie to Paradise, 9 miles. This is a beautiful section of river with numerous class II+ to III rapids. Fish Ladder the hardest rapid on this section is class III+ to IV-.

Max is 45 people.

Click here for directions to Horse Creek Group Campground.  https://www.google.com/maps/search/horse+creek+campground+mckenzie+bridge,+oregon/@44.1751238,-122.1639473,16z/data=!3m1!4b1?hl=en

Please contact trip leader for further details or to sign up.

Brenda Bunce, brenda.bunce@gmail.com 

References:

Soggy Sneakers by WKCC, Paddling Oregon by Robb Keller, Oregon River Tours by John Garren.

Event Categories

River Trip

Event Type

River Trip

River:  North Santiam (Packsaddle to Fisherman's Bend) 

Meeting Location: Fisherman's Bend (BLM) Boat Launch Parking Lot (Takeout) at 10 a.m.. Located 1-1/2 Miles West of Mill City

Date: Saturday, October 10th, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rating: Class II & III

Length: 9 Miles

Contact: Scott Harvey: hadjimann@yahoo.com 

AW River Description: Packsaddle to Mill City: American Whitewater

River Levels: Niagara Gauge @ American Whitewater 

Trip Information:  

Experience the beautiful fall colors on our annual North Santiam trip. The float will be from Packsaddle to Fisherman's Bend (BLM). Starting in early fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers usually start their annual reservoir drawdowns from both Detroit and Big Cliff Dams to allow capacity for winter rains behind the concrete dams. This is usually a substantial flow increase to around 2,000 cfs, from the minimal summertime flows of 1,040 cfs. It should be High Indian Summer and a great time for a day run on the North Santiam River. We'll put in at Packsaddle, run for a couple of hours, have lunch and then finish up and take out at Fisherman's Bend Boat Launch and with a total of just over 9 miles. There is a mixture of rapids, waves, riffles and play spots, with only about three rapids that require much planning. although at low water levels this run can be bony. Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls are the three liveliest rapids, and one needs to know where to go over the rock dam at Mill City to avoid the rocks. (The dam should be approached immediately to the left of a small fountain-like plume that is visible from upstream). Meeting time will be at 10 am @ Fisherman's Bend boat launch parking lot (The Takeout).

NOTE: Some individuals may prefer to takeout at North Santiam Park (additional 3 miles to the trip). If this is the case, please let me know ahead of time.

References:

Soggy Sneakers by WKCC, Paddling Oregon by Robb Keller, Oregon River Tours by John Garren.

Event: October Club Meeting

Location: Flying Pie Pizza - 7804 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

Website:  http://www.flying-pie.com/locations/portland

Date: Wednesday, Oct 14th, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Schedule:     

• 6:00 – 6:30     Social Time with Pizza
• 6:30 - 7:15      Club Business
• 7:15 - 8:15      Presentation
• 8:15 - 8:30      Clean-up

Topic: Looking for a guest speaker for the October club meeting. If you know someone who would be interested in being a speaker for one of our club meetings, please contact Meredith Brezinski (Vice President - Events) events@oregonwhitewater.org

Speaker: N/A

Description: Come on down, enjoy pizza, salad and refreshments with fellow boaters.

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Event: November Club Meeting

Location: Flying Pie Pizza - 7804 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

Website:  http://www.flying-pie.com/locations/portland

Date: Wednesday, Nov 11th, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Schedule:     

• 6:00 – 6:30     Social Time with Pizza
• 6:30 - 7:15      Club Business
• 7:15 - 8:15      Presentation
• 8:15 - 8:30      Clean-up

Topic: Looking for a guest speaker for the November club meeting. If you know someone who would be interested in being a speaker for one of our club meetings, please contact Meredith Brezinski (Vice President - Events) events@oregonwhitewater.org

Speaker: N/A

Description: Come on down, enjoy pizza, salad and refreshments with fellow boaters.

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This is our annual Holiday Party.

Wednesday, Dec 9th, 2026 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.)

We have the event room reserved for Wednesday, Dec 9th this year! Join us for our annual ugly sweater contest and the white elephant gift exchange as well as the end of year prize giveaways!

The holidays are upon us once again which means it is time for our annual party. It will be held at the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall on NW Quimby Street. You can start showing up at five but the pizza and salad will not be served until 6 p.m. We will have the time-honored white elephant gift exchange as usual.

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