Put In

Put In is a whitewater put-in access point on Salt Creek in Lane County, Oregon. Salt Creek is a large river system (Stream Order 7) with significant volume and gradient, originating in the Cascade Range and flowing 89.42 miles total. The access point is located near the headwaters at elevation 1337 meters, where the creek has already developed considerable gradient at 18.7 feet per mile average. With an average flow of 38.37 cubic feet per second and velocity of 1.91 feet per second, this is an active flowing stream suitable for whitewater paddling.

This put-in location is positioned in the upper watershed with a drainage area of 782 square miles. The significant elevation drop of 1676 feet over the course suggests challenging whitewater conditions throughout much of the run. Paddlers using this access should be prepared for current and gradient typical of mountain streams in the Cascade region. The distance to the river mouth at 3412 miles indicates this is a major tributary system, not a small creek.

Boaters should research current water conditions and seasonal flows before attempting this section. Spring runoff typically increases water volume and difficulty significantly. This is not a beginner-friendly access point given the river classification and gradient profile.