Clackamas County

Clackamas County is an administrative unit in northwestern Oregon, United States. The area extends from forested slopes and river valleys in the east to more densely settled zones on the western edge, where residential neighborhoods and commercial districts blend together.

The administrative unit was formed in 1843 and originally covered a much larger territory than today. Later divisions created new areas, while settlers from the east arrived and built towns like Oregon City along the waterfalls.

The name comes from the Clackamas people who lived along the rivers before European settlement. Today both suburban neighborhoods near Portland and rural communities with fruit farms and woodlands shape daily life in different parts of the administrative unit.

For visits to government offices or courthouses, bring identification since many facilities have security checks. When traveling to the forest areas in the east, pack weather-appropriate clothing especially during autumn and winter.

Portions of Mount Hood National Forest lie within this administrative unit and attract hikers and winter sports enthusiasts from across the West Coast. The rivers that rise here supply much of the drinking water for Portland.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 1843

Capital city: Oregon City

Shares border with: Multnomah County, Hood River County, Wasco County, Marion County, Yamhill County, Washington County

Website: http://clackamas.us

GPS coordinates: 45.19000,-122.21000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:49