Santiam, Little North

5. Elkhorn Valley Campground to N. Santiam River

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DifficultyII-III
Length11.1 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeLittle North Santiam River Near Mehama, or
Flow Rate as of 8 minutes
138 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
Access Point

Troll's Teeth

Class: IVDistance: 3.8 mi
Other
Troll's Teeth

By far the most difficult rapid on this run, there are multiple routes through the boulder garden. The most difficult part is at the bottom of the rapid and should be scouted on river left.

Take-out

Distance: 10 mi
Access Point

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