Quartzville Creek is a National Wild and Scenic River that flows into the Middle Santiam River. It's especially enjoyable for Class III and IV rafters and kayakers because of its clear water, fun rapids, and easy river access. More accomplished padders enjoy the upper reaches of Quartzville Creek.
A road follows most of the river's length allowing you to scout most of the rapids ahead of time and to choose which section you'd like to do. There's a lot of options and variety here.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in at Yellowbottom Recreation Site. If you want to add a few more Class IV rapids you can put-in upstream at Galena Creek.
Mile 0.6: The first rapid is a Class III+/IV rapid that can be seen from the road on your drive to put-in. From here to Dogwood Recreation Site the river is generally Class III.
The first rapid below Yellowbottom on Quartzville Creek
Mile 6.7: River access at Dogwood Recreation Site. The next 2 miles have back to back Class III and IV rapids.
One of the fun rapids downstream of Dogwood Recreation Site on Quartzville Creek
Mile 8.6: Take-out at a dirt turnout on river right.
