North Fork Santiam

[Big Willie]

Can anyone help with driftboat ramps? I think below Mill City about 5 miles...not sure where though. Somewhere in that drift are some falls that you have to slide your boat around? Thanks.
-Gary

[HarpMan]

Have not put in just below Mill City, but you can put in at Fisherman's Bend park and go to Mahama. There is also a log ramp along the same road above Fisherman's Bend park that will give you an extra few miles. No falls in this stretch, but some water to watch out for, although I have not been down that stretch in a few years....

[NEUTRON]

I pretty sure the falls is at or above mill city, from the pole slide mentioned you should not have any trouble if you are cautious. I know the white water folks (kayakers) run those falls. There is a section (packsaddle to minton (?)) that is
floatable but requires advanced skill and
knowledge.

[SteelieSteve]

Follow the river west from Mills City about 3/4 mile there is a launch. You can put in at Fishermans Bend though I've never been down from there. Another launch off the gravel at N. Santiam Park. I've been down that once, all those runs are challenging but I'd go N. Santiam down or put in at John Neal Park in Lyons and go to Mehama. There is good fishing water, the mouth of Little N. Fork. It's not a long drift but plenty of good fishing and not so dangerous. Early as it is I doubt any fish are in the Mills City area or not many. Good Luck. images/icons/cool.gif

[DanS]

willie,

I did a drift on the N. Fork Santiam last year, and it must have been the stretch you are referring to.

The chute around the falls wasn't too much of a problem as long as you have a rope on the front and the back of the boat. As long as you keep the boat tight against the wall, you shouldn't have any problems. The only problem we saw was when one goober decided to get into the chute before the boat below him was clear of it.

Since that was my one and only experience with the Santiam, I can't offer much more than that. Hope to see you guys on the 2nd.