Three Great River Floating Destinations in the Portland and Vancouver Area with the Ford Ranger

Introduction 

While we aren’t known for heat, our summers can get very warm, and many local folks find relief in taking a tube down a river.  

When you are looking at floating down a river on an innertube or similar floatation device it is good to consider what kinds of rapids you will be navigating.  

• Class I Rapids – This is the lowest classification of rapids. This is great for gently floating down the river 

• Class II Rapids – This would be the highest level of rapid you would want to take a tube down. These are a little more exciting with some bumps and waves but should generally be wide areas with easy maneuvering. 
• Class III+ – After class II you start to get into rapids that you will want a raft, paddles, and a good chunk of technical skill. While these are a ton of fun, you don’t want to do these on your flamingo pool float. 

Having a pickup or other vehicle makes outdoor excursions a little bit easier. While taking a sedan like a Ford Fusion will work just fine, having something like a Ford Ranger might serve you better in case you need to go off-road, haul a boat, or load up on your floats and innertubes into bed, it will make your day go just a bit smoother.    

The Best River Floating Destinations in the Portland and Vancouver Area 

Destination 1: Washougal River 

Milepost 3 top Milepost 5 

This is a short enjoyable float. You drop in at Mile Post 3, where there is great swimming and general hanging out, and get out at Mile Post 5. The two-hour float is just the tip of the iceberg of fun.  While you are doing your float keep an eye out on the left side of the river for some waterfalls. And, make sure to get your Washington Discovery Pass for this spot. 

When it comes to towing your favorite water toys to the Washougal River for a relaxing afternoon on the river, the 2023 Ford Ranger has got your back. With its impressive towing capacity, the Ford Ranger effortlessly hauls your innertubes, kayaks, and paddle boards, ensuring you never miss a moment of river-floating fun. So, load up, hit the road, and let the Ford Ranger be your reliable companion as you embark on an epic float down the Washougal River.   

Destination 2: Sandy River 

If your looking cool off with a pretty smooth and mellow river float Sandy River may be the place for you. While this spot may not be as popular as some of the Clackamas River floats you will get plenty of chances to see folks on the shore whether it is campers or folks sitting in their back lawn. 

Dabney State Park to Lewis & Clark 

This is a very popular route that consists of Class I rapids. This float will take 3-4 hours, and along the way, you will float past a fair amount of private property, and while most folks who live along the river are chill, please respect their property. If you need to stop for a break, just make sure to not go up over the high-water mark. 

Oxbow to Dabney 

Starting at Oxbow regional park this 7-mile float will take most of the afternoon with a float that should be around 4 or 5 hours, depending on the flow of the water. There are some swift class I+ rapids that add a little bit of excitement to the otherwise relaxing float.  

Oxbow to Lewis & Clark 

Starting at Oxbow this is a day-long float, so make sure to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Throughout this trip, you will experience a few quicker class I rapids spots, but for the most part, this is a very relaxing ride. Expect to see campers, anglers, homeowners, and other floaters as you take this trip. And, you can stop halfway at Dabney for a nice lunch.   

What about Dodge Park? 

Dodge part is a great place for you if you have a more structured raft, the class II+ rapids mean you won’t want to float down in your innertube or pool float.  With that said, it is a gorgeous park that is totally worth visiting and taking advantage of the amazing swimming, picnic spots, camping, and fishing.  

Whether you encounter gravel roads, muddy paths, or rocky trails, the Ford Ranger’s ruggedness and versatility shine through, enhancing the overall river floating experience. With ample cargo space and tie-down options, you can conveniently transport your inflatable rafts, tubes, and other gear, allowing you to focus on the adventure that awaits. 

Destination 3: Clackamas River

The Clackamas River’s close proximity to Portland and Vancouver as well as the varied rapids and multiple drop-off points make this one of the most popular, and populated places to float for folks looking to cool off. 

Upper McIver to Lower McIver 

This is going to be the shortest float on our list. McIver has a day-use permit that can be bought at the gate for $5, but once inside you can do the 45 Minute float from Upper to Lower McIver. The first bit of this float is class II, so it can be a little rough if you aren’t comfortable on the water, but the last portion is a class I rapid and is a beautiful ride.

This is a popular float for folks wanting to get multiple short (er) floats in or if you are staying the night in the park.

McIver to Barton Park 

This is a great float if you want to float for 3-4 hours, depending on if you launch from Upper or Lower McIver. It is typically less busy than the float from Barton to Carver, but you are going to likely run into other folks doing the float. If you start at Upper McIver, you are going to start with some class II rapids but then it quickly smooths out for a relaxing afternoon.   

Barton To Carver 

Barton to Carver may be the most popular float on this list. The easy access to Barton Park and the close proximity for your drivers to Carver makes this an ideal float. If you want a quiet float with your family, try to get there earlier in the day. This float can get busy quickly. If you show up later be prepared to make some friends, and maybe bring your super soaker out with you for some friendly spraying. 

This trip is around 7-8 hours of just floating, so this run is for you if you want to spend the whole day on the river. Make sure to pack your floating cooler and a nice lunch since you will want to make some stops on the way.  

Get ready for an epic river floating adventure with your crew in the 2023 Ford Ranger! This beast of a truck has room for up to 5 people, and its spacious bed is perfect for tossing in your tubes, kayaks, or any other floatation devices you and your friends can’t live without. Plus, prepare to be the ultimate hero at the drop-off point because this bad boy comes with a 12v Powerpoint. That means you can plug in your tube inflator and save your buddies the hassle of huffing and puffing to inflate their tubes by mouth. Get ready to make a splash and have a blast with the 2023 Ford Ranger as your trusty river-floating sidekick!  

Essential Tips for an Unforgettable River Floating Experience 

Before you have a great day of floating on the river you are going to want to make sure you have a few things with you to ensure that you have the best time ever.  

If you are going to the Washougal River you will need to purchase a Washington State Discovery Pass. For the Oregon side, you will want some cash for park fees, typically $5.  

Additionally, if you can take two cars that does make many of these floats easier, but if you don’t have another set of wheels a lot of the time there is a shuttle service, cash is great for this, or you may be able to make some friends at the bottom who are heading up.  

• Innertube, pool float, air mattress, or other floatation devices – Having a way to inflate these without relying on your lungs is a nice bonus.
• Tube Repair Kit – You may run into some rocks and may spring a hole. It is best to be prepared. 
• Sunscreen – Look for something high SPF that has some water resistance. You will want to re-apply once every 1 to 2 hours.  

• Water – preferably in a water bottle of some sort, and not a plastic bottle from the store
• Snacks and/or lunch – You are going to be in the sun and some of these floats go for quite a while, make sure you don’t get hangry 
• Life Jackets – If you are in an innertube you don’t need a life jacket, but on any other floatation device you will need one. And, even on an innertube, it is a good idea.  
• Dry Bag or Ziplock bags – These are great for putting your electronics in like chargers, phones, and cameras 
• Swim gear – Swim Suits, water shoes, and other items that are made for getting wet 

• Sun Protection – Sunglasses, hats, and cover-ups are all great ideas 
• Aftercare – There is nothing better than drying off with a fresh towel and changing into dry clothes after a nice long float.  
• The Fun things – Waterproof camera, Water Guns (just ask before you spray folks), pool noodles, waterproof speakers 

Freezing fruit the night before makes a fantastic float snack as does something with some salt like cheese and crackers. You will want to leave your alcohol at home, not only is it not very safe to be floating down a river and drinking, but it is against the rules at the parks. And remember, to respect nature, the rivers neighbors, and other floaters while out there so we can keep doing this year after year!  

Conclusion 

Those are just 3 of our favorite floats. Oregon and Washington are amazing for relaxing on rivers, so once you get your toes wet with our favorites, you will have plenty of other adventures to check out.  

 If you’re heading out to float Sandy, make sure to swing by the dealership and show off your floats and maybe check out our lineup of new Ford Pickup trucks including the fantastic Ford Ranger.