Packsaddle County Park To Mill City
One of the most popular boating trips in the state with opportunities throughout the year. Moderate flows provide a great training ground for those just learning the sport. When flows are lower kayakers flock to Spencer's Hole for park and play. At high flows this river is a fun ride for more experienced paddlers.Most of the rapids on this run are class II but with a variety of features that make it a great river for skill building and instruction. Once you pass under the bridge at Gates you are approaching Spencer's Hole. This is a fun rapid but as flows drop it becomes a very popular park and play spot providing dependable playboating opportunities through the summer and fall for paddlers from throughout the region.Soon after Spencer's you will come to Carnivore which is found in the left hand channel at an island. If you are looking to avoid it you can just take the route around the right side of the island.Continuing downstream there is some more good class II as you approach the town of Mill City. When you see the bridge come into view you are nearing the take-out. Mill City Falls is just upstream of the bridge and most scout it out before the run as it is easily visible from the take-out. You can take out on river right above the falls or line up for your run and take-out on river right downstream of the old railroad bridge.
Suggested river levels for paddling this section of the North Santiam River are between a bare minimum of 800cfs and a high of 15,000cfs.
River conditions sourced from USGS 14181500, the North Santiam River At Niagara
Remember only watercraft are permitted
at Packsaddle County Park to Mill City.
Run Stats
Status | Runnable |
Class Level | II+ to III+ |
Elevation | 1,103 ft |
Run Length | 7.5 Mi |
Gradient | 27 FPM |
Streamflow Discharge | 1380 cfs |
Gage Height | 3.3 ft |
Air Temperature | 68° |
River | North Santiam River |
Reporting Streamgage |
North Santiam River At Niagara
USGS 14181500 |
Spencer's Hole
Class III- to III+ |
False Spencer's
Class II+ to III- |
Carnivore
Class III to III+ |
Mill City Falls
Class III to III+ |
Gauge | Streamflow | Stage |
---|---|---|
Cedar Creek At Springfield
USGS 14164700 |
8 cfs | 1.7 ft |
Mckenzie River Near Vida
USGS 14162500 |
2,580 cfs | 1.4 ft |
Little Sandy River Near Bull Run
USGS 14141500 |
94 cfs | 2.4 ft |
Fanno Creek At 56Th Ave
USGS 14206900 |
1 cfs | 8.6 ft |
Nate Creek Tributary Near Colton
USGS 14199704 |
1 cfs | 1.8 ft |
North Santiam River At Mehama
USGS 14183000 |
2,100 cfs | 4.0 ft |
Oak Grove Fork At Ripplebrook Campground
USGS 14209250 |
460 cfs | 3.9 ft |
Molalla River Near Canby
USGS 14200000 |
627 cfs | 11.4 ft |
Johnson Creek At Sycamore
USGS 14211500 |
9 cfs | 1.4 ft |
Butte Creek At Monitor
USGS 14201500 |
64 cfs | 6.4 ft |
Snotel Site | Snowpack | 24hr Change |
---|---|---|
Jump Off Joe
SNOTEL 552 |
15" | -2" |
Bear Grass
SNOTEL 1166 |
113" | -3" |
Peavine Ridge
SNOTEL 687 |
19" | -2" |
Santiam Jct.
SNOTEL 733 |
14" | -4" |
Little Meadows
SNOTEL 584 |
74" | -3" |
Holland Meadows
SNOTEL 529 |
32" | -2" |
Clackamas Lake
SNOTEL 398 |
22" | -2" |
Mud Ridge
SNOTEL 655 |
63" | -2" |
Mckenzie
SNOTEL 619 |
83" | -2" |
Hogg Pass
SNOTEL 526 |
45" | -1" |
North Fork
SNOTEL 666 |
56" | -2" |
South Fork Bull Run
SNOTEL 925 |
12" | -2" |
Daly Lake
SNOTEL 434 |
15" | -1" |
Roaring River
SNOTEL 719 |
65" | -1" |
Blazed Alder
SNOTEL 351 |
85" | -4" |
Marion Forks
SNOTEL 614 |
10" | -1" |
Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yellowbottom | None | 1,656 ft |
Ski Area | Snowpack | Air Temperature | 5 Day Forecast |
---|
River Run | Streamflow | Length | Class |
---|---|---|---|
Packsaddle County Park to Mill City | 1380.0cfs | 7.5 Mi | II+ to III+ |