NORTH SANTIAM RIVER RAFTING
Beautiful Autumn Color!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Family and beginner friendly
BEST TIME TO GO

September-October
DRIVE TIME

Portland = 1 hr 15 mins
Bend = 2 hrs
Seattle = 3 hr 50 mins

North Santiam River Rafting
Rafting the North Santiam River trip is a leaf peeper’s delight with bright colorful leaves and playful river rapids.
This trip is ideal for groups of all sizes since beginner-friendly rapids make it a fun and comfortable trip for the entire family.
Some of the most challenging class II-III rapids that you’ll paddle include the Swirlies, Carnivore, Spencer’s Hole, and Mill City Falls.
This river is lined with forests providing a plethora of wildlife viewing in a natural and relaxing environment. As an extra bonus, The North Santiam River is located just 30 miles from Salem, Oregon, making it a convenient and popular destination for people from the Willamette Valley.
River Drifters offers full-day trips on the North Santiam River in September and October, and additional dates are available upon request. We typically meet at 10:00 am at Fisherman’s Bend Park near Mill City, OR, and are off the river by 4:00 pm.
We provide all of the necessary gear to ensure a safe and comfortable trip (including wetsuits and paddle jackets if needed). We provide a riverside meal at the end of full-day trips customized for your group.
The weather in Oregon in the Fall can be extreme and change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind and even snow.
Prior to packing for your trip, we recommend that you check the forecast.
- A pair of quick-drying shorts and t-shirt (wool or synthetic are best. Do NOT wear cotton), or a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
- Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or fleece (NO cotton) for extra warmth when outdoor temperatures are colder than 80°F.
- Waterproof sunscreen and chapstick
- Hat for sun protection
- Old pair of tennis shoes, neoprene booties with soles or sandals (closed-toed, such as Keen, are recommended).
- Sunglasses and/or prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
- Sunglass strap for both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses (we sell these in our shop).
- Change of clothes for drive home.
- OPTIONAL Items
- Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling.
- Waterproof camera
- Small daypack
- Personal snacks
- Personal medications
- Personal water bottle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-972-0430. Once on the river, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will be happy to answer any questions you have. We welcome suggestions about how we can make your next experience on the river an even better one!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Family-friendly whitewater rafting trip ideal for beginners and large groups who want an up close experience of the Pacific Northwest’s Fall foliage.
Full-day river trip close to Salem, OR with access to a variety of restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Experience osprey and eagles soaring overhead while salmon and steelhead migrate upstream.
North Santiam River Rafting Trips ….
North Santiam River 3/4 Day
Season: Sept - Oct
Duration: 3/4 Day
Length: 10 miles
Price: $75-85
Rapids: II-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 8
Are you ready for your rafting adventure on the North Santiam?
CALL TODAY! 800.972.0430