Santiam, Middle

There is a tree in the river from the right bank located in the crux of the Concussion rapid (Third, and last rapid on the run). It's located just below the eddy on the right boaters sometimes catch, and 15' above the hole known as Concussion Hole. There are multiple branches in the water.

A sherriff spoke with our group and stated that he had spoke with the Dam operators and it is OK and legal for boaters to hike the road to the dam to access the river. Please be respectful of the access point and DO NOT block the gate. Walk-in access is permitted.

Locals have reported at least two incidents this summer of Dam operators calling the sheriff on boaters using that road. Other access exists, but in all cases involves a heinous descent to the river and a shortened run. Downstream from the historical access road about 1/2 mile is a guard rail on the river side of the road with a little turnout. Currently has stakes with pink flagging for ongoing road work. There is a steep fishermans trail that gets you to about 1/4 mile above Swiss Cheese. Bring good shoes and maybe a rope. At least one boat has made an un-manned descent all the way through Swiss Cheese from being dropped at the put-in.

Update: Used the access road today. No problem.