North Santiam River Western Oregon   Half & 1 Day April 1 - Oct. 12 Class II+ to III For groups of 6 or more       Book a North Santiam River Rafting Trip North Santiam River Trip Schedule & Prices

Near both Portland and Salem, the beautiful North Santiam offers easy access to whitewater fun. Our North Santiam trips combine lively rapids with enchanting cascade mountain scenery. This beautiful stream provides one of the state's loveliest yet least known rafting adventures. Flowing from its source high in the Cascades near Mount Jefferson, the North Santiam runs swift and cool through a scenic forested canyon.

During spring snowmelt the North Santiam sports many class III and class IV rapids, including Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls. During the summer months the  North Santiam offers a more relaxing pace, class II  rapids, and sunny skies. In September and October the water rises again, and the class III whitewater returns.

Spring and summer are great times to run the North Santiam, but September and October are our favorite times to float these waters. The chance for a sunny day remains high, and fall colors and soft light add to the day's beauty. And we're treated to a second season of high flows, as the operators of Detroit dam increase the flow from this upstream reservoir (to prepare storage capacity for the coming winter rains). Guests on our September and October trips may also be treated to the sight of shoals of migrating salmon.

The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the world's most diverse coniferous forests. We see a number of houses on our float, but forests still dominate the landscape. Animal species you may see on your trip include chipmunks and ground squirrels, deer, grouse, and occasionally mink and otter. 

Much of the local geology is hidden beneath deep soils, but in places along the way the bedrock is in view, revealing old volcanic rocks that predate the majestic volcanic peaks visible to the east. Also visible along the way are signs of the region's early history, including Mill City, which grew up around a lumber mill founded by John Shaw.

A Note for Groups: O.R.E. offers round-trip transportation from Portland locations to groups by special arrangement. Please contact our office for more information. 

Trip includes:

	The services of our professional guide staff.
	Transportation to and from our meeting place.
	A hearty lunch at riverside on full day trips. Lunch is freshly prepared by our guides from the highest quality ingredients. Special dietary needs may be accommodated with advance notice.
	Durable, professional quality rafts and river running equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets.
	Waterproof river bags for your personal gear.

One day trips and morning 1/2 day trips meet at 9:30 AM; afternoon 1/2 day trips meet at 1:00 PM. All trips meet at North Santiam State Park, off highway 22 near the town of Mehama. 

O.R.E. operates these tours under a under license from the State Marine Board. O.R.E. is an equal opportunity service provider.