Santiam Rest Area

The Santiam Rest Area boat ramp, located at I-5 Milepost 241 near Millersburg, offers convenient highway access to the North Fork Santiam River. The ramp is accessible via a service road from either the northbound or southbound sides of the rest area. This is a modest, state-owned access point (managed by Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department) designed primarily to provide boat launch capability rather than extensive amenities. The site itself is limited in area, occupying a narrow corridor (40 feet wide, widening to 60 feet near the river) along an abandoned railroad right-of-way.

This is a popular put-in for kayakers and canoeists looking to paddle downstream. A common trip is the seven-mile float from Stayton Bridge to the Buell Miller boat ramp, offering scenic views of the river valley. Note that property below the rest stop is largely private, so this access point is best suited for those launching trips rather than taking out. The nearby Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, located at the confluence of the Santiam and Willamette Rivers just off I-5, provides additional recreation opportunities for wildlife viewing. Plan accordingly for parking and boat handling, as the site's limited size means it can fill during peak paddling seasons.