Siletz, North Fork

This is a pretty typical Oregon Coast Range stream.  Unfortunately there is not much bedrock, but plenty of boulder rapids.  There is a short hike in on a road conducive to dragging boats.  The hike starts with a walk across a rickety old bridge that doesn't look like its all that safe, but has proved stong enough for pedestrian traffic in the past.

We have hiked along until the road reaches stream level near a tributary.  From the put in the creek is promising, rolling over class IV bedrock rapids before turning a corner to the right.  It is advised to scout out the run from the shore, eddy by eddy until you have passed Golden Egg.  If you are boat scouting, it would be easy to get blown into this rapid.  This full sized boulder garden has a number of moves.  Be careful to scout thoroughly as wood can be present throughout the run, expect at least a couple of quick portages.  Below Golden Egg the rapids taper to IV, then eventually III+.

Shortly before the confluence with Warnicke Creek, a footbridge is reached.  This is part of the Valley of the Giants hiking trail.  If you have the time, it doesn't hurt to stash the boats and do the 5-10 minute hike in order to see some large trees in an otherwise heavily logged area.

Below the confluence with Warnicke Creek, the stream is splashy class III-III+ down to the take out bridge a short ways above the Boulder Creek confluence.  It is easy enough to continue down through the next stretch for additional paddling if there is enough daylight.

Trip Report from Into the Outside.