S5 Kayak #4 - Santiam River from I5 to Buena Vista

S5 Kayak #4 - Santiam River from I5 to Buena Vista

Starting Location: I5 Rest Area at the Santiam River (accessible from either side.)

Point of Interest : Beautiful River scenery

Distance: Just over 8 River Miles

Time on float: about 3 hours

Bathrooms: Plenty at the Rest Area!

Parking: Lots of parking. Trailers may need to drive back over to the rest area

EV Chargers: no

Rentals: no


This was our first time on the Santiam. We've heard about this float, and finally decided to try it. The hardest part? It was just the 2 of us, and taking 2 cars would mean an extra hour of driving between the put in and take out area. Luckily, we talked our son into coming with us to drive the truck back to Buena Vista! So off we went.

The boat ramp is concrete, and gently sloped. There is some parking nearby, on gravel, but with a trailer it would be hard. However, there is a rest area nearby with plenty of trailer parking. It's a short walk to the boat ramp. I could not find official info on the boat ramp, probably because it's a part of the rest area? But it's there and it's solid.


The river is classified as a class 1 or 2, which is easy or novice. There are a few small rapids, and there were some trees and rocks in the water that we had to avoid, but it was a gentle float most of the way. The weather was perfect, sunny and maybe 80F. 








We did pass another boat ramp, which looked in good condition. This is in Linn County, and there isn't anything there on the map. It is surrounded by farmland, and I'm assuming it is private. 










This nice train trestle crossed the river, but no train in sight. This was a particularly calm section of river too. 












Another think I like about the Santiam is there are plenty of places along the river to easily pull over for a break. We found this spot, and I took advantage to cool off in the cold water. It felt great!






Like most rivers we've been on in Oregon, there are not a lot of buildings down by the water, which I appreciate. It is fun to see how people who do own riverfront land use it. These people have a nice place to come down and cook in the shade.










Since this was probably our last float of the season, I was feeling a bit introspective. I mentioned the weather was perfect. There was a slight breeze, which I could see travelling toward me up the river. Knowing when to expect a gentle gust was fun. The sound of the wind in the leaves was relaxing, and the views were amazing. 

We did see some waterfowl, but not like in Spring.










Merging with the Willamette River was very easy, almost unnoticeable, except for the size of the river at least doubles. And then a short float to Buena Vista.

We only saw 1 other boat (SUP) on our float, and they were pulled over looking at rocks. 

All in all, a great final float of the year. If only the logistics were easier to arrange.

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