North Santiam River Shuttles in Stayton, Oregon | North Santiam River Shuttles

Safe, reliable vehicle transport is what we do—so you can float one-way

We transport your vehicle while you’re on the water, so your trip ends at your own car instead of a long walk, hitchhike, or complicated car shuffle. North Santiam River Shuttles provides professional shuttle service built for real river days: early starts, changing weather, and tight schedules.

Whether you’re running a drift boat, rafting with family, paddling a kayak, or floating with friends, the “hard part” is usually logistics—not the river. We handle the vehicle move so you can focus on your launch, your crew, and your day.

What you can expect:

• Locally owned, river-season practical experience

• Fully insured operations for peace of mind

• Trusted by guides, anglers, and repeat floaters

• Simple online booking (fast, clear, and route-based)

A river shuttle eliminates the #1 headache—end-of-trip transportation

A shuttle service matters here because the North Santiam corridor has popular launches and take-outs spaced out enough that “just walking back” isn’t realistic, and coordinating multiple drivers often creates safety issues and delays.

When you use a shuttle, you:

• Avoid staging multiple vehicles

• Save time at the end of your trip

• Reduce logistical stress for your group

• Improve safety (less roadside walking and confusion)

• Keep your day moving when plans change

If you don’t use a shuttle, you typically end up:

• Splitting groups to move cars (burning daylight)

• Waiting on rides, cell service, or “maybe someone shows up”

• Cutting floats short to beat the clock

• Adding risk at take-outs when everyone is tired

Popular launch points and take-outs we serve along the North Santiam

We serve many of the most-used access points so you can plan smooth one-way trips with dependable vehicle transport.

Common launches and take-outs include:

• Packsaddle Park

• Mill City Park

• Fisherman’s Bend

• Mehama Bridge

• Stayton Bridge

• Buell Miller

• Greens Bridge

• Jefferson Bridge

• I-5 Ramp / Rest Area corridor

• Buena Vista (route dependent)

Transparent pricing helps groups plan faster

Most shuttle routes start at $40 per vehicle. Some long routes or special logistics (like Buena Vista) may cost more due to distance and ferry fees.

Example pricing you mentioned:

• $40.00 per trip from Packsaddle to I-5 Rest Area

If you’re booking for multiple vehicles, trailers, or a multi-boat day, it’s smart to reserve early so the timing lines up for your whole group.

Top Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with a North Santiam River Shuttles booking?

Your booking includes safe transport of your vehicle from your launch location to your selected take-out point while you’re on the river. Many routes also support vehicles towing trailers—just book the correct option for your setup.

Do you operate year-round, including winter steelhead season?

Yes. We operate 12 months per year, including winter steelhead season, but trips are always weather dependent for safety. If conditions create risk, we’ll communicate clearly and adjust plans when needed.

How does the key drop process work?

We use a secure key process so you can launch on time while we handle the vehicle move. You’ll follow the booking instructions for exact steps, and we keep it simple and consistent for repeat customers.

Can you shuttle multiple vehicles or support multi-boat groups?

Yes. We regularly help multi-boat groups, guides, and families. The biggest factor is scheduling—reserve early so we can line up timing for the whole crew.

What if I need an early launch or late take-out?

We try to accommodate early launches and later take-outs whenever possible. On weekdays, take-outs before 3:00 PM can be harder to schedule due to limited availability, so later weekday take-outs are preferred when possible.

How much does it cost to shuttle to Buena Vista?

Buena Vista routes are commonly priced higher (often around $65) because they typically include longer distance and the ferry ride fee. Confirm exact pricing during booking based on your route.

Service Areas

We’re based in Stayton, Oregon, and we serve the North Santiam River corridor and nearby communities that commonly use these launches and take-outs. Most of our customers travel in from nearby towns, and we’re set up to support both locals and visitors.

North Santiam River Shuttles proudly serves: Stayton OR (primary), Gates OR, Mill City, Mehama OR, Lyons OR, Scio OR, Jefferson OR, Salem OR, and surrounding access points and river parks along the North Santiam.