Put In

Put In is a whitewater access point on Thomas Creek in Linn County, Oregon, situated on a large river system with significant gradient. Thomas Creek is a 43-mile stream with a total elevation drop of 3,655 feet, making it a substantial waterway suitable for whitewater paddling. With an average gradient of 84.7 feet per mile and an average flow of 591 cubic feet per second, this creek presents moving water conditions typical of whitewater paddling environments in the Pacific Northwest. The stream order of 7 indicates a well-established river with regular flow patterns and developed drainage basin characteristics.

Boaters accessing Thomas Creek at this put-in should expect moderate to fast current conditions given the creek's gradient and average velocity of 2.38 feet per second. The surrounding landscape transitions from 69 feet elevation at the lower sections to over 1,183 feet in the upper watershed, offering varied terrain and water conditions throughout the drainage. This access point provides entry to a significant section of whitewater that attracts paddlers seeking Class II-III type conditions typical of Oregon's coastal range streams.