Cedar Creek
to Little North Santiam
| Difficulty | III-IV+(V+) |
| Length | 2.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Little North Santiam River Near Mehama, or |
| Flow Rate as of 24 minutes | 94 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 2, 2022 |
This is a short roadside run in the Little North Santiam drainage. The run is class IV(V), but you can bite off some serious drops in the 1/4 mile above the put-in if you like. Eddies can be small, and the creek is fast so small groups match the pace best. There is often wood and brush to dodge, but often there is no wood portaging. There are many small horizon lines, some can be read-and-run, some need to be scouted. There are two class V rapids on the run that can be easily scouted and portaged on the left, assuming you didn't go an eddy too far.
A visual check is required to see if the creek is at a good flow, but the LNF gauge on this page can let you know if it's worth taking a look.
2020 Perspective here. This site describes a put-in that provides a class IV(V) run.
2003 perspective of both Upper Cedar and Lower Cedar at Oregon Kayaking. The run paddlers currently do does not match up with the access points used by Oregon Kayaking.
Apr 3, 2018
While there are a few gnarly drops on Cedar Creek, most of it is spicy class IV with plenty of bedrock and just enough horizon lines to keep it adventurous.
Sep 15, 2016
Hellevator is a rowdy looking rapid with a shallow landing before whipping around a corner. It is rumored to have been run back in the day by Eric Brown.
Sep 15, 2016
Brian Ward runs a fun double ledge on Cedar Creek.
Taken Nov 8, 2015
The LNF Santiam gauge spiked from 400 > 1,200 cfs that day
