About this spot
Faraday Road follows the Clackamas River east of Estacada past Portland General Electric's Faraday hydroelectric project — look for the PGE sign at 33831 Faraday Rd and a yellow gate; informal parking and river access are a short walk beyond it. This stretch is PGE-managed utility land bordering a diversion dam, so water levels and current can shift quickly and without warning when the powerhouse changes flow — watch for sudden rises before entering. The Clackamas runs cold year-round and has a long record of cold-water-shock drownings, including cliff-jumping incidents, so this is not a maintained or lifeguarded swim spot. The first miles of Faraday Road are closed to motor vehicles, making it a popular walk/bike corridor; scout the landing and exit carefully before jumping.