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Clackamas River Bluffs and Greenway

Planning and conservation  ›  Natural areas, parks and trails  ›  Protecting natural areas  ›  Acquiring natural areas  ›  Clackamas River

Protecting land along the Clackamas River helps conserve fish habitat and secure recreational uses for the public.

Metro and Clackamas County team up to protect Fisherman's Bend, a well-loved stretch of the Clackamas River.

Metro and Clackamas County have protected 17 acres along the Clackamas River adjacent to Highway 224 between Barton and Carver. Located in a stretch of the Clackamas River known as Fisherman's Bend, the property contains nearly ½-mile of river frontage, a perennial creek and a wetland system that could be improved to benefit threatened and endangered salmon species.

The site is mostly forested, including a small cottonwood forest, stands of white and Douglas fir, big-leaf maple and alder trees. Wildlife such as deer and beaver, great blue heron, red-breasted woodpecker, winter wrens, red-tailed hawk and pileated woodpecker use the site. Local groups including the Three Rivers Land Conservancy and the Clackamas River Basin Council have advocated for the site's permanent protection through acquisition with Metro's bond funds.

Clackamas County Parks has taken ownership and will manage the property, which poses some challenges due to its popularity with river users. The County recently unveiled a new program, the "ecOzone campaign", aimed at improving conditions on the Clackamas River this summer. A portable restroom and recycling bins will be placed at the site to give rafters and other river users an additional designated stopping point along the way between Barton Park and the Carver boat ramp. The deed given to Clackamas County by Metro will contain a perpetual restriction on the property prohibiting the land from being used for any purpose other than a natural area, open space, park, or trail area.

Need assistance?

Natural Areas Program
503-797-1545
naturalareas@oregonmetro.gov

Related Links

Clackamas River Bluffs and Greenway goals and objectives

Learn about the goals and objectives for habitat and water quality protection in the Clackamas River Bluffs and Greenway target area. View maps illustrating the Metro Council's priorities and learn more about the importance of this area to our region.