Santiam, Little North

5. Elkhorn Valley Campground to N. Santiam River

Reach banner
DifficultyII-III
Length11.1 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeLittle North Santiam River Near Mehama, or
Flow Rate as of 34 minutes
177 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedJune 4, 2019

River Description

This is primarily a class II run with the exception of a couple class IIIs and Troll’s Teeth, a class IV boulder garden at normal flows. Good surf and play can be found throughout the run.

The put-in is at the BLM Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site, open from mid-May to late-September. If you are here earlier than this, the gate will be locked and you will need to walk your boats into the campground. There is a put-in trail at the first campground registration sign. If you want to get the couple of class IIIs above that, you’ll need to walk in a bit further. After mid-May you can drive in and a day use charge of $5 will be charged.

A good take-out is at North Fork Park, 2 miles from Oregon 22. It is a county park open from May 1-October 31 and charges $5 for day-use. If you are parking here before May, find parking on the road where the signs allow. Alternatively, continue 2 miles to the boat ramp under the Lyons/Mehama bridge.

Additional References

Full description in Soggy Sneakers.


River Features

Put-in

Distance: 0 mi

Take-out

Distance: 10 mi
Take Out

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