Rainbow Campground and Riverside Trail reopened Sept. 13, marking a significant milestone for being the first and only campground that has opened along the Upper Clackamas River corridor since the 2020 Riverside Fire that spread across 138,054 acres.
The fire destroying or severely damaging 26 campgrounds and day-use sites, 24 trailheads and 37 trails on the Mt. Hood National Forest east of Estacada.
The rebuilding of Rainbow Campground, partially funded through Clackamas County Tourism’s Strategic Investment Program, is a collaborative effort between Clackamas County Tourism, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and the U.S. Forest Service.
“The reopening of Rainbow Campground and Riverside Trail is a testament to the resilience of the local community and the power of the partnerships we’ve built in the area,” said Jeff Malik, Oregon Recreation Projects Coordinator of the National Forest Foundation. “This project will restore access to a treasured destination while signifying hope and renewal for the areas affected by the 2020 wildfire.”
The newly restored Rainbow Campground, rebuilt by local contractor Prodan Construction, based in Damascus, now features 16 thoughtfully designed campsites with preservation and improved accessibility in mind. While the 2020 Riverside Fire necessitated extensive restoration to the campground, some original structures, such as the bathrooms and some picnic tables, withstood the blaze.
The campground now features new parking barriers, and fire rings at each campsite and most of the sites have been graded to an accessible slope, or have had general accessibility improvements.
“This is a pivotal moment for Estacada and the surrounding community,” said Sean Drinkwine, mayor of Estacada. “The reopening of Rainbow Campground and Riverside Trail will once again provide much-needed recreational areas for visitors and residents to connect with nature. We’re thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to this popular outdoor sanctuary.”
Rainbow Campground is known for its access to the picturesque Clackamas River. Located on the Oak Grove Fork of the river, the campground offers fishing, hiking, biking and rafting. Rainbow Campground is also fee-free this fall with plans to begin charging camping fees in 2025. Tentatively, campgrounds will close in mid-to-late October.
The Riverside Trail, stretching 3.7 miles from Rainbow Campground to Riverside Campground, offers a scenic out-and-back route journey through old-growth forests along the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. The trail, rebuilt by local contractor Oregon Woods Inc., features gradual climbs and occasional grade changes, showcasing river views, a beach area and impressive stands of ancient trees.
The reopening is part of a larger initiative by the NFF, in partnership with Clackamas County Tourism and the Forest Service, to restore and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Visitors are encouraged to check omht.us/clackamas for campground reservations and trail condition updates. You can also learn more about the work of the National Forest Foundation at https://www.nationalforests.org/
