| Novice boaters often learn basic river skills on the drifts below Stayton. Intermediate skills are a prerequisite for trips from Fishermen’s Bend to Stayton and advanced skills are necessary from Packsaddle to Fishermen’s Bend. Boaters often perfect their skills on lower runs before they move up to the next section. The structure of the North Santiam is that the easiest run on the river is the lowest section, and each run upstream becomes more difficult. |
| Each trip shoves off in the river at 10:00 a.m. Boats are unloaded at the put in at 9:00 a.m. and the shuttle is done. Breakfast is available at Neufeldt’s Diner in Aumsville, the Plantation Inn in Jefferson, the Swiss Village in Mehama, and other area restaurants. Breakfast locations vary according to the river section to be drifted and will be announced at meetings prior to the trip. |
| Life jackets and safety equipment are required for the trips. Information about best equipment is available at the club and chapter meetings. |
| Participants in the trips are the North Santiam River Guides, Northwest Steelheaders, North Santiam Watershed Council members and guests. |
| Other trips on other dates are possible. More information is available at club meetings. |
Date |
Drift |
Breakfast Location |
Skill Level |
March 1 |
Basic |
||
April 5 |
Stayton to Green's Bridge |
Basic |
|
May 3 |
Mehama to Stayton |
Swiss Village |
Intermediate |
June 7 |
Fishermen’s Bend to Mehama with camp at Taloali |
Swiss Village |
Intermediate |
June 28 |
Advanced |
| Because of the high water and unstable predictions, the June 28 trip has been changed to Fishermen’s Bend to Mehama. The Packsaddle run will be in July. This trip will shove off at 10:00 a.m. at Fishermen’s Bend. Generally, boats are unloaded at 9:00 and we do our own shuttle. However, Shuttle Bob (503 859 2880) is available for helping for a fee and requires advance notice. Breakfast is available at numerous area restaurants. |
Date |
Drift |
Breakfast Location |
Skill Level |
July TBD |
Centered at Fishermen’s Bend |
Advanced |
|
August TBD |
Centered at Fishermen’s Bend |
Advanced |
 |
 |
Disclaimer: These are hosted, not guided trips. All participants should take necessary safety precautions, obey all boating laws and be familiar with Oregon's Mandatory Boater Education Law. Boat Oregon - A Course on Responsible Boating is available from the Oregon State Marine Board. Generally, boat motors are discouraged on these trips. A boater education card may not be required, but is suggested. Participants should be aware of river conditions. |