Review #22
Scott Van Hoosen (octopus at vanhoosen dot net) |
October 22, 2002 |
| Location: Estacada, OR USA |
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Dive Type: Fresh Water - River |
Facilities: Parking |
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| Hazards: Current, slippery rock entry |
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Entry: difficult shore |
Surface Swim: short |
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Difficulty: advanced |
Typical depth: 25 |
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Dive site rating: 4 |
Max depth: 30 |
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Dive site description:
The trench is around 20 to 30 feet wide, maybe 60 feet long, and is around 20 to 30 feet deep. The water is very clear and VERY cold, as it is fed by snow melt. The up-river end of the site curves around a rock corner, and the current is so strong it's almost impossible to get that far up. But downriver from the bend, the water deepens and widens, making the current steady but manageable.
The first time I visited this spot was in the month of June. There were no salmon, but I did see one small steelhead. The second time to this site was in early September, and we saw several really huge chinook salmon! We were able to get pretty close to them before they glided to another spot. I'd like to go back with my underwater camera and get some photos. The bottom is covered with gravel and some larger rocks and some sunken logs. In the crevaces, you'll find crayfish and other small river life. |
Directions:
This site is a trench high up on the Clackamas River, 13 miles upriver from Promontory Park, Estacada. Watch the mile markers after passing Promontory Park as you go upriver, as it's easy to miss this site. You come to a slight bend in the road by a guard railing, then pull off the road. Gear up, then carefully make your way down the long, steep switch-back trail down to the open area below. There is a large flat rock area where fishermen love to do their thing. We entered the water off to the right of the site. |
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