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North Fork Reservoir in Estacada is lined by narrow steep canyons in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. It is one of several reservoirs along the Clackamas River, such as Estacada Lake, which were built to provide hydroelectric power. The water runs clear and cold here. At less than an hours’ drive from Portland, it is a popular place for paddling, as well as boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Paddlers who want to avoid boat wake can go up the inlet that is south of Promontory Park or paddle around by the culvert.
Good to know:
- There is no/ very poor cell signal at this location. (Found cellular signal on the main road before turning into Promontory Park)
- Waterway Restrictions: 10mph limit south of Promontory Park, slow-no wake in north arm (culvert area)
- The water temperature runs cold here.
Put-In Locations:
Promontory Park Marina
- Parking fee: none
- Launch Type: kayak dock, boat ramp
- Restrooms: flush
There is a large paved parking lot with a lot of parking spaces for trailers. A convenience store with boat rentals is also located here.
Directions:
From Estacada OR-224E, after passing E. Faraday Road, turn right at the Promontory Park sign. Then follow the road to the right for the marina.
The Culvert
- Parking fee: none
- Launch Type: shore
- Restrooms: none
The parking lot has space for about 25 cars and faces the shoreline. This area is in a slow-no wake zone.
Directions:
From Estacada OR-224E, soon after passing East Faraday Road (North Shore ramp), look for the turnout on the left. Turn left and proceed to small paved parking lot by the culvert.
North Shore Ramp
- Parking fee: none
- Launch Type: boat ramp
- Restrooms: flush
This parking lot is large and has room for trailers. It is the closest boat ramp coming from Estacada, but it is located on the busy main portion of the lake where there is no speed restriction.
Directions:
From Estacada OR-224E, turn right on E. Faraday Road. Proceed to parking lot on the left.
Additional things to do:
- Camp at the PGE Promontory Park Campground which has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and yomes (yurt + dome = yome).
Check before you go:
- Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind.
- Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.
- Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.
- PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.
Beware that the routes and information on this site are just general guides and the best path may vary based on water level, obstructions, experience level, equipment, and other conditions. Paddlers are responsible for providing their own safety. Super Water Trails does not assume any liability.
Oregon Paddling 