What ages is this program for?

The listing specifies Level 2 Ages 10-14; the curriculum is built for that age range.

Where do we check in?

Meeting point is 1701 Clackamette River Dr. Oregon City OR 97045; that is the listed check in location.

Is guiding and safety gear provided?

The public listing does not detail gear inclusions; expect guides and group safety equipment but confirm specifics with the operator.

Do participants need previous experience?

Basic paddling and swimming comfort are recommended; this program builds from sheltered flat water to more advanced skills.

How do I reserve a spot?

Reservations are available through the provided booking link in the listing; summer slots tend to fill quickly.

Overnight River Camp for Teens: Paddle, Hike, and Camp Near Willamette Falls

Q: What should we bring for overnight camping?

Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, clothing that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes; add a dry bag and warm layers for night.

At the edge of the Willamette River where the Clackamas joins the main channel, Traveling Overnight Camp runs a five day outdoor program for young adventurers in Oregon City, Oregon. Meeting at 1701 Clackamette River Dr. Oregon City OR 97045, the course labeled Level 2 Ages 10-14 Exploration and Independence blends paddleboarding, rafting, kayaking, and hiking with an overnight camping experience designed to teach skill and confidence.

The local landscape is rugged in its own Pacific Northwest way. Paddlers pass basalt ledges and low river cliffs carved by centuries of flow and ice, with Willamette Falls located downstream as a thunderous geological centerpiece. Alder and Douglas fir line the riverbanks, and Oregon white oak groves provide drier habitat on higher terraces. Seasonal salmon runs and river otters are common sights in quieter back channels, making the corridor a study in river ecology and industrial history.

Daily programming alternates on water and land. Mornings emphasize paddling technique and safety drills on standup paddleboards and kayaks, including towing and raft handling. Afternoons feature short hikes to viewpoints and hands on lessons in campsite setup, fire safety where permitted, and basic backcountry cooking. Evenings are for group reflection, star observing, and low impact camping skills. The listing does not include operator contact details; only the meeting point is provided above for check in.

This trip is ideal for teens who are comfortable swimming, able to hike two to five miles with a daypack, and ready to spend consecutive nights in a tent. Guides progress activities from sheltered flat water to more complex team maneuvers, so participants build competence and self reliance across five active days from roughly 9AM to 4PM.

Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, quick drying clothing that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes for afterwards. A dry bag, warm layers for night, and sturdy water shoes make for a more comfortable trip. Expect a mix of classroom style instruction and hands on practice with clear safety briefings.

Oregon City carries deep cultural notes as the historic end of the Oregon Trail and an early milling center powered by Willamette Falls. That history sits beside ongoing restoration efforts to protect fish habitat and river water quality. For families seeking a close to town overnight that teaches outdoor independence, this multi sport camp highlights what makes the Willamette and Clackamas rivers unique.

Participants and parents should confirm medical and emergency protocols with the provider, and consider adding a personal life jacket if desired. Reservations are available online through the booking link, and spaces often fill quickly during summer months, so plan ahead to secure a spot for a practical, skills focused introduction to overnight river camping with experienced guides.