2. Collawash River to Three Lynx Power Station

This run is on par for difficulty to the more commonly paddled Three Lynx section. However, the major rapids are almost all formed from old landslides, with sieves and boulder hazards existing in places, giving the run a more serious feel. Despite the hazards, the outstanding scenery, sense of isolation and fun rapids make this run well worth doing. After about a mile of flat water the first rapids appear. An alternate put-in shortly below Riverside Campground avoids this flatwater. These are a couple nice Class 3 boulder gardens to get warmed up and then boaters arrive at the first significant rapid of the run, Hole in the River. At most water levels Hole in the River has a technical lead in to a steeper drop between boulders at the bottom. At high water, the boulders at the bottom turn into huge holes. The hole on the right is particularly fearsome but can be sneaked on the far right or boaters can thread the needle through both holes down the middle. There is a good recovery pool at the bottom of the rapid. After Hole in the River the rapids resume their Class 3 character until Alder Flat. Alder Flat is about 5 miles into the run and can be tough to recognize for first-timers. It is a big pool just around a right corner from Alder Flat Rapid which is a steep, fast rapid withmost of the water flushing down the right channel that ends amongst some big boulders. There is a primitive Forest Service campsite on the right bank which has a trail that leads to Hwy. 224 about a mile from the river. There is also currently a huge landslide on the right just downstream of the pool. Just around the corner from Alder Flat is an obvious rapid called Drop Stopper. This one is worth a scout on the left as the river slams its way between some pretty big boulders. There are multiple lines but look carefully for any logs that might have wedged in the narrow slots at the bottom. After Drop Stopper is a rapid with great waves that ends in a beautiful pool with a tall cliff on the left. This is where you want to really pay attention. After this pool a long set of waves ends with a sharp turn to the right through 2 narrow channels. This is Prelude rapid and Killer Fang rapid lies just downstream. If unfamiliar with Prelude and Killer Fang, catch the big eddy on the left above the two slots. Boaters can scout both the left slot of Prelude and the pool above Killer Fang by scrambling along the left wall. The left slot looks intimidating from above but is really just a fun 4 ft. drop through a hole and into the pool below. Make sure you take care here not to get pushed too far left as the current trails off into Killer Fang below the pool. There is one more eddy on the left above Killer Fang but it probably should only be used as last resort. The right channel is also runnable but is trickier than it appears. Once in the pool below the slots, paddle over to the right side of the pool and pick your way through the rocks to portage Killer Fang. The portage around Killer Fang is tough for rafts but doable with a light boat and enough people. Killer Fang rapid is formed by a large slab of rock that fell off the cliff on the left. This rock blocks all the river except for narrow slot on the left. This wouldn't be so bad if most of the river didn't go about 15 ft. under the right side of the rock. Although Killer Fang is runnable, even really talented boaters usually think the fun factor is worth the risk and choose the portage. Around the next corner from Killer Fang and immediately below a pushy Class 3 rapid is the Sieve. Catch the eddies on the left immediately below the lead-in rapid to scout or portage the Sieve. The only realistic line through the Sieve begins by punching the hole in the shoot on the left. From here, there are multiple exit narrow exit slots depending on water level. Give this one a good look as there is a dangerous sieve at the bottom of the left slot. This one can be portaged without too much difficulty on the left. Once below the Sieve there are a couple more fun rapids to relieve some tension and then the road comes into sight. Don't let the hazards keep you from doing the run, between sections of class II are quality class III and IV rapids, in a more remote setting than the other roadside sections of the Clackamas. Just be sure you are not in over your head when it comes to class III/IV whitewater. Read the Killer Fang Section from Oregonkayaking.net to orient yourself with where the larger rapids are. Logistics: The usual approach for this run is from Estacada up Highway 224 which becomes FR 46. Head up along the Clackamas River and at Highway 224 mile 45.7 you will cross the river at Sandstone Bridge which is the takeout. Heading up river you will reach one potential put-in at Riverside Campground located at mile 52.6. Alternatively you can continue up to the Collawash confluence and do the full run by going to mile 53.3 and the junction with FR 63. Turn onto FR 63, cross the river and you will find access on the upstream river left side of the bridge.