Santiam, N.
2. Big Cliff Dam to Packsaddle Park
| Difficulty | III-V |
| Length | 4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 26 fpm |
| Gauge | North Santiam River at Niagara, or |
| Flow Rate as of 15 minutes | 1240 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 22, 2019 |
River Description
This is a beautiful section of river just downstream of Big Cliff Dam with two rapids of note. The Narrows is encountered within the first mile and can be scouted on river right. Niagara is a narrow slot further downstream that can be scouted from Niagara County Park. Just prior to the take-out the river pours over a hazardous fish collection dam that can be portaged on the right.
At the put in are some slalom gates that can be lowered if paddlers want to practice on them, please take the time to put them back up when done. Class II rapids are encountered downstream, with small features to look for if you want to spice things up. About a mile below the put in is a long class III rapid that is a noticeable step above what has come before. This rapid can be spiced up with some fun moves created by the larger boulders by those who are looking to get more of a challenge. This long rapid ends with a small river-wide hole and enters a moving pool with a generous eddy on the right for those in control.
This moving pool empties into the Narrows, the largest rapid of the run during the Summer (at Winter Flows Niagara is larger). This rapid is easiest to scout and portage on the right. While the turbulent hydraulics are intimidating, this rapid has been called 'the quintessential class IV rapid' and at Summer flows doesn't pose many hazards (at Winter flows the left wall at the bottom is of concern). More than one line exists so take a look and decide if the rapid is for you.
Downstream the class II continues, this is a good run for slicey river-runner boats with lots of splat rocks and fun eddy-lines.
Eventually the river builds to class III again and a large wall is visible downstream at the entrance to Niagara. The class III lead in rapid weaves between boulders and has numerous routes to choose from before the river is forced left by the wall. There is again a generous eddy on the left for paddlers in control.
The crux move in Ni
...River Features
Big Clif Dam
Flows from Big Clif Dam regulate discharge on this reach. Located at USGS River Mile 58.0.
Big Clif Dam put-in
This run starts below Big Clif Dam. Located at USGS River Mile 57.6.
The Narrows
Right around 2500 cfs is a nice level for this rapid. This is one of those drops that becomes more technical and hazardous as flows drop but cleans up as flows increase. Located at USGS River Mile 56.6.
Niagara
Niagara is just a stretch of calm water as flows decrease but as the flow builds and the river tries to squeeze through this narrow slot in the bedrock, the boils can become very chaotic. Located at USGS River Mile 55.3.
Minto Dam
The Minto Dam forms an extreme hazard just before the take-out and can be portaged on river right. The dam was reconstructed in 2011-2013 to improve the facility for fish collection. American Whitewater engaged in the public process but unfortuantely our requests to address public safety for river runners were largely ignored by the Marine Board and NOAA Fisheries. Located at USGS River Mile 54.0.
Packsaddle Park take-out
A good boat ramp provides river access at this county park. Located at USGS River Mile 53.8.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPhotos of Minto Dam
Driving along Highway 22 and capturing some images in the aftermath of the September 2020 fires.
June 2018:
The log in the previous comment is gone.
Keep an eye out for wood in the boulder gardens leading up to where the river pinches down at Niagara, there were a few large pieces strewn about that appeared mobile.
There is a river-wide log shortly after the Narrows; right where the Green Room is. At 1000cfs most crafts can limbo the log. As levels start to rise, the log will be in play, especially for rafts. There are 2-3 branches extending downwards towards the water and a handful more that extend upwards. The comment below is no longer valid.
Putting in off the road to the dam. A short hike down to the water. Make sure to follow parking signs (some areas do not allow parking near dam).
River Trip on the North Santiam.
The put-in below Big Clif Dam involves a scramble down rip rap.
Looking back upstream towards The Narrows.
This dam needs to be portaged on the right and comes up just before the take-out at Packsaddle Park.
Portage around the dam with a seal launch on river right. Be sure to launch well past the boil line.
Docta P dropping into the Narrows gorge
Riverboarding through the nasty recirculating hydraulics exiting The Narrows gorge