Page 125 - Clackamas County Watertourism Strategic Plan. Final.v3

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR WATER-BASED TOURISM IN CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OREGON THE OPPORTUNITIES
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Recommendation 35: Create Water Trail Map for Clackamas River Improving the
Even though river trail maps do not motivate would-be paddlers to get on the water, they are still Experience
valuable information. It is ironic that the most popular river in the Clackamas County does not have a
trail map yet the Sandy, Willamette, and Tualatin Rivers all do. The County should create a Clackamas
River Trail Map to remain consistent with the information it is providing its visitors. The County has
the existing capacity and three superb examples to model after, therefore, it would be a fairly
straightforward process, and highly recommended, to create the Clackamas River Water Trail Map
and Guide.
Recommendation 36: Develop a Primitive Camping Paddling Trail on Willamette River from Wilsonville to Milwaukie
A 20-mile primitive camping river trail is a rare asset in Clackamas County and can be used to attract new boaters to the region. The
Willamette River between Wilsonville and Milwaukie offers numerous campsites that are accessible only by boat. This river trail has
13 exiting locations that could offer excellent camping opportunities. Some are pristine quiet islands while others are walkable to
town services. With opening of the Willamette Fall portage at West Linn, this trail would help put Clackamas County on the map
and promote is river tourism to all 7 of its riverside cities. While primitive camping may not generate overnight lodging tax revenue,
this river trail is invaluable in creating a reginal identity in river-based tourism by connecting all 7 municipalities. It gives each city
the opportunity to capture this market in their own way, it helps generate
enthusiasm for the river, and it helps encourage visitors to “linger longer,”
which is a long-term marketing effort by the tourism board.