Outdoor Spotlight: Swimming, Tubing, and River Fun at Barton Park

One of the things I love most about living and working in the Estacada area is how close we are to the Clackamas River. In the heat of an Oregon summer, there is no better place to be than right there on the water. And if you are looking for the perfect spot to float, swim, fish, or just relax with your toes in the river, Barton Park is where you want to go.

Just a short drive from Estacada, Barton Park is a 122-acre Clackamas County park that has been a summer destination for local families for generations. I have sent countless clients and friends here over the years, and the reaction is always the same: why did not I come here sooner? Let me share why this spot is one of my favorite outdoor escapes.

Getting to Barton Park

Barton Park is located at 19009 SE Barton Park Road, Boring, Oregon 97009 — a name that always gets a laugh from out-of-towners. From Estacada, head west on Highway 224 for about 7 miles, then turn south onto Barton Park Road. The drive takes about 10 minutes from downtown Estacada. From Sandy, it is about 15 minutes south via Highway 211 and SE Barton Park Road.

The park is easy to find, and the road leads you right to the entrance. There is a day-use parking fee of $9, which gives you access to all the park's amenities. During summer (May through September), the park is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM for day use, and the campground gates lock from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

What makes Barton Park special

Barton Park is the largest Clackamas County park, and it really has it all. The Clackamas River runs right through the park, creating a long stretch of river access that is perfect for swimming, tubing, and wading. On a hot August afternoon, the park comes alive with the sounds of families laughing, kids splashing, and the gentle rush of the river.

What I appreciate most about Barton Park is that it offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. You can show up with nothing more than a towel and a cooler and have a wonderful day by the river. Or you can make a weekend of it with camping, fishing, hiking, and exploring. The versatility is what makes this place such a gem.

Swimming and tubing on the Clackamas River

Let me be honest: the Clackamas River water is refreshing. It originates from the snowy slopes of Mount Hood and flows through the Mount Hood National Forest before reaching Barton Park, so even in August the water stays cool — typically in the 50s and low 60s. On a 90-degree day, that cold rush is pure bliss.

The river at Barton Park has a gentle current with deeper swimming holes and shallow gravel bars, making it family-friendly. Kids can wade along the edges while stronger swimmers enjoy the deeper pools. Tubing is incredibly popular here — people bring their own tubes or floats and drift lazily downstream in the slower sections. The park's boat ramp also makes it easy to launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards if you want to explore further up or down the river.

A word of caution from someone who has spent countless hours on this river: always wear a life jacket, especially in deeper spots or when tubing. The current can be stronger than it looks in places, and river safety should always come first. Keep an eye on little ones — the river is wonderful but deserves respect.

Fishing along the Clackamas

For anglers, Barton Park is a reliable and productive fishing spot. The Clackamas River is well known for its runs of chinook salmon and winter steelhead, and summer months bring opportunities for trout fishing as well. The park provides easy bank access at several points along the river, so you do not need a boat to wet a line.

A valid Oregon fishing license is required, and you will want to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for current seasons, limits, and any special rules on the Clackamas. It is always a good idea to stop by a local tackle shop in Estacada or Sandy to ask about what is biting and what gear is working best.

Camping at Barton Park

If you want to extend your visit, Barton Park has a campground with 112 campsites, most of which offer water and electric hookups. Sites range from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups, so whether you are in a tent or a 50-foot motorhome, there is a spot for you. The campground is open seasonally, typically from May through October, and reservations are strongly recommended — especially on summer weekends.

Nightly rates range from about $25 for primitive tent sites to $59 for premium RV sites. The campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and a small entrance store that sells firewood and basic supplies. There is nothing quite like waking up in a tent with the sound of the river in the background, making coffee over a campfire, and heading straight back into the water for a morning swim.

Best times to visit

Barton Park is busiest on summer weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays when the weather is hot. If you can visit on a weekday, you will find the park much quieter and have your pick of spots along the river. Early mornings are magical — the river is glassy, the birds are active, and you might have a stretch of beach all to yourself.

Late June through early September is the prime season for swimming and tubing, when the air temperatures are highest and the river has warmed slightly. For fishing, spring and fall offer the best salmon and steelhead runs, while summer is great for trout. Fall is also stunning at Barton Park, with the maples and bigleaf maples turning golden along the riverbanks.

What to bring

A well-packed day at Barton Park does not require much, but a few essentials make all the difference. Here is what I always toss in the car:

Why Barton Park is worth the trip

In a region blessed with incredible outdoor recreation, Barton Park stands out because it is so accessible and so welcoming. You do not need a big adventure rig, a boat, or specialized gear. You just need a willingness to get outside and enjoy one of the most beautiful rivers in Oregon.

For my clients who are considering a move to Estacada or the surrounding areas, places like Barton Park are a huge part of the appeal. This is a community where river days are a way of life. Where you can leave work, drive 10 minutes, and be floating on the water before dinner. Where the weekend question is not "what should we do?" but "should we hit the river or the trail today?"

If you are thinking about making this area your home, I would love to show you around — not just the houses and neighborhoods, but the places that make this such a wonderful place to live. Barton Park is one of those places. Come see it for yourself.

Stay tuned for more outdoor spotlights on the best recreation this area has to offer. And if you have a favorite spot you think I should feature, I would love to hear about it.