Upper McIver Boat Ramp
location_onClackamas, OR
About Upper McIver Boat Ramp
River Mill Reservoir: A Serene Paddling Oasis in Clackamas County, Oregon
Nestled in the heart of Clackamas County, Oregon, River Mill Reservoir stands as a tranquil and scenic destination for kayakers seeking a peaceful paddling experience. This reservoir, formed by the damming of the Clackamas River, offers a calm and protected water surface perfect for a variety of non-motorized watercraft activities.
Clackamas County, situated in the northwest region of Oregon, is a renowned outdoor recreation hub, offering a diverse array of waterways for paddlers to explore. From the mighty Willamette River to the serene lakes and reservoirs scattered throughout the region, this area has become a prime destination for kayakers and canoeists alike. River Mill Reservoir, however, stands out as a particularly inviting option for those seeking a more sheltered and serene paddling environment.
Gear up for Upper McIver Boat Ramp
Recommended paddling gear matched to the conditions at this spot. Every item ships from Amazon.
Perfect for flat lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Great starter gear for beginners.
Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak
Kayak
Stable, easy to get in and out, self-draining — ideal for calm water paddling.
Adjustable Kayak Paddle
Paddle
Lightweight aluminum or fiberglass. Adjustable length fits different kayak widths.
USCG-Approved PFD
Life Vest
Legally required in most states. Get one designed for paddling — allows full arm movement.
Dry Bag (20L)
Storage
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry. 20L fits a half-day's worth of gear.
Kayak Anchor Kit
Anchor
Essential for fishing or photography — holds position in wind and light current.
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reviewsWhat Paddlers Say
“I took my 15 year old white Persian snowball rafting for the first time. He enjoyed it and going out on the river at the small beachy area for an hour but meowed and howled a few times and when we got close to shore he looked and jumped out onto a rock and made his getaway to shore. We were there to keep cool during the 97'f day it would be too hot in the apartment for him. The Humane Society saved his life in 2014 when he was hit by a car and became famous there and practically a celebrity and I always wondered if it would happen and it finally did a lady said is that Snowball? She recognized him from a picture when she worked at the Humane Society I was so surprised he's led an amazing life meeting hundreds of people well over 1,000 by now and always gets a lot of attention and notoriety. My review disappeared after people saw it but then I looked on someone else's phone and it wasn't there anymore I don't know what the deal was. So I put some in photos too and I don't know if they showed up.”
“Unfortunately it was not a pleasant experience. Got woken up at 7 am every day by huge machinery doing excavation and moving the earth around installing a huge pipe. Went on until 5pm everyday. I wish I would have been notified of such and maybe warned by camp hosts. If money wasn't an issue I definitely would have left. But unfortunately my family was looking forward to the trip for months.”
“This park is really boring, rare to find access to the river and if you do it's a small area, nothing really that intriguing about this park except looks like a cool disc golf course. I checked it out twice just in case I missed something but not impressed either time.”
From Google reviews. Showing the most detailed recent visitor notes.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere can I launch my kayak at River Mill Reservoir?
The Upper McIver Boat Ramp provides a free public access point for launching kayaks and other small boats at River Mill Reservoir.
help_outlineWhat skill level is River Mill Reservoir good for?
River Mill Reservoir is considered a calm waterbody, making it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels, including beginners.
help_outlineWhat gear should I bring for kayaking River Mill Reservoir?
Typical kayaking gear like a personal flotation device, paddle, and any fishing equipment if you plan to fish should be brought for kayaking River Mill Reservoir.
help_outlineCan I fish at River Mill Reservoir?
Yes, fishing is allowed at River Mill Reservoir, but you will need a valid Oregon fishing license to do so.
help_outlineWhen is the best season to kayak River Mill Reservoir?
The best season for kayaking River Mill Reservoir is spring through fall, when the weather and water conditions are generally more favorable.
help_outlineIs River Mill Reservoir family-friendly?
Yes, River Mill Reservoir is considered family-friendly, with the calm waters and free public access making it a suitable destination for paddlers of all ages and experience levels.
help_outlineAre there any motorboats on River Mill Reservoir?
Yes, River Mill Reservoir has a boat ramp, so there may be some motorboat traffic on the water in addition to kayaks and other non-motorized boats.
Location
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wavesTide Forecast
From Washougal station (31 km away)
High Tide
Jul 28 at 7:58 PM
0.8 ft
Low Tide
Jul 29 at 2:19 AM
0.4 ft
High Tide
Jul 29 at 8:14 AM
1.6 ft
Low Tide
Jul 29 at 4:13 PM
0.2 ft
High Tide
Jul 29 at 8:40 PM
0.9 ft
Low Tide
Jul 30 at 3:10 AM
0.5 ft
Data from NOAA CO-OPS. Predictions only — check local conditions before paddling.