5. Elkhorn Valley Campground to N. Santiam River

This is primarily a class II run with the exception of a couple class IIIs and Troll’s Teeth, a class IV boulder garden at normal flows. Good surf and play can be found throughout the run. The put-in is at the BLM Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site, open from mid-May to late-September. If you are here earlier than this, the gate will be locked and you will need to walk your boats into the campground. There is a put-in trail at the first campground registration sign. If you want to get the couple of class IIIs above that, you’ll need to walk in a bit further. After mid-May you can drive in and a day use charge of $5 will be charged. A good take-out is at North Fork Park, 2 miles from Oregon 22. It is a county park open from May 1-October 31 and charges $5 for day-use. If you are parking here before May, find parking on the road where the signs allow. Alternatively, continue 2 miles to the boat ramp under the Lyons/Mehama bridge. Additional References Full description in Soggy Sneakers.