Canton Creek

Sneaking the big drop on Canton Creek at high water.

Right side of the big drop at high water. Ben Mckenzie

On the Steamboat Creek@Glide gauge at a flow of around 2500 cfs, rising from 1200 to 3500 throughout the day a group paddled the large falls('P/U' noted in other trip reports) on the right side, and thought it was class V ish, with an alternative to run the far left side which felt more class III-IV-the middle of the drop looking heinous. There were no notable wood hazards from the six mile bridge down, and no portages. The creek could have handled more water, but would have still been fun with less-it felt like a medium flow I suppose.

-Priscilla 2/4/17

We did this run in Jan 2006 at flows of about 1100 cfs on the Steamboat gauge (~3' on the paddlers gauge at the confluence bridge at the take-out). This was near the lower end of the range but still a great level. This run provides 10 miles of wonderful class III/IV rapids and is a good introduction to creeking. Be cautious of the approach to the big falls (just below one of the bridges) as there is a moderately challenging drop that leads to the pool above the big falls.

Take I5 to Roseburg exit 124 and follow the signs to state highway 138 east. Go east 39 miles to Steamboat Creek. Turn left and go up the creek one half mile. Cross the bridge, turn left and park. The take-out is at the Steamboat gauge on the upstream end of Canton Creek Campground.

The trail to the river starts just behind the empty vodka bottle in the distance.
View from six mile bridge.
Stay off the bottom. We could be next. Power to the fish.
At lower levels the picket fence funnels you into the 'surprise' which is backed by a guard rock. If you fall into the surprise you will be maytagged left and spit out boatless. Don't ask me how I know.
This was taken somewhere on the upper six. They all look the same.