Battle Axe Creek

Battle Axe Creek requires 2 miles of hiking to get to the take out and another 2 miles to get to the put in.

Logistics: From Highway 22 mile 23.2 turn onto Little North Santiam Road (this turn is at a flashing light on the west side of the Highway 22 bridge across the North Santiam). Head up this road paralleling the river and at mile 16.9 where the road comes to a Y turn left onto Forest Road 2209. Follow this road to the gate at mile 21.1. From here you will hike in to Jawbone Flat which is the confluence with Battle Axe Creek. Jawbone Flat is about 3 miles up the trail and is the location of a collection of historic structures.

Battle Axe Creek joins with Opal Creek at Jawbone Flat to form the Little North Santiam River.

Put in: Hike upstream on a 4 wheel drive road till the road narrows to a trail.  About 1.5 miles the stream has a major fork.  One fork comes from Silver King Mountain to the east.  The other fork comes from Battle Axe Mountain to the south.  The trail also forks, one branch going south, while the left fork drops down to the creek.  This trail makes a good put in just below the confluence of the two forks of the creek.

A permit is required to park at the trailhead at the end of Road 2209. The permits cost $5/car for a one-day pass or $30 for a full-year pass. There is a self-serve pay station at the trailhead.  Full-year passes are available at Forest Service offices and many outdoor stores.

Other Information Sources:

Into the Outside

Oregon Kayaking.

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center is

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