Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.

Rapid OR Class IV+

Big Ugly

American Whitewater 44.8566, -122.2820

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

Little North Santiam River near Mehama, OR Downstream Primary

Runnable: 600.0 – 4,000.0 CFS

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Big Ugly is a powerful and technical Class IV+ rapid characterized by a steep, boulder-strewn descent with multiple complex lines and a series of powerful hydraulics. Paddlers must carefully navigate a tight entrance between large rocks, then aggressively maneuver through a sequence of strong diagonal waves and potentially retentive holes that can quickly flip or trap boats. Precise route selection and strong paddling skills are critical, with the main channel offering the most direct but most challenging path through the rapid.