Short Answer
The North Santiam River Shuttle FAQ explains how vehicle shuttle service works for anglers, kayakers, rafters, and drift boaters in Stayton, Oregon. North Santiam River Shuttles provides year-round, insured vehicle and trailer transport so your vehicle is waiting at your take-out. This service is ideal for anyone planning a one-way float on the North Santiam River.
North Santiam River Shuttles operate year-round, weather permitting.
Yes, we provide shuttle services 12 months per year throughout the North Santiam River system. Winter conditions, high water, or severe weather may affect safety, but our goal is to remain available every season. Anglers chasing winter steelhead and summer floaters alike depend on consistent service. Operating year-round builds reliability for the local outdoor community in Stayton, Gates, Mill City, and beyond.
A river shuttle eliminates the need for two vehicles.
Anyone planning a one-way float benefits from professional vehicle relocation. Whether you’re running a drift boat, rafting, kayaking, or fishing, coordinating multiple vehicles wastes time and adds complexity.
Our service allows you to launch at Packsaddle, Fisherman’s Bend, Mehama, or Stayton and simply focus on the float. When you reach your take-out, your vehicle and trailer are already there. That convenience changes the entire experience.
Advance booking ensures your preferred launch and take-out times.
Weekend and prime fishing months fill quickly. Spring Chinook season, summer floats, and fall steelhead periods are especially busy.
We strongly recommend booking several days in advance when possible. Same-day requests are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Planning ahead ensures smooth logistics and peace of mind.
Our shuttle process is simple and secure.
You launch at your chosen starting point. We collect your vehicle and trailer and safely transport them to your designated take-out location.
While you enjoy your float, we handle the driving. When you arrive at your take-out — your vehicle is waiting.
No complicated coordination. No waiting for rides. No backtracking upriver.
Transparent pricing keeps things straightforward.
Most North Santiam River shuttle routes are $40.00 per vehicle. Floats to Buena Vista are $65.00 due to the ferry fee.
Popular launch points include:
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Packsaddle
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Fisherman’s Bend
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State Park
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Mehama
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Stayton
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Hess Road
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Greens Bridge
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Jefferson Bridge
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I-5 Ramp
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Buena Vista
All pricing is simple, flat-rate, and easy to understand.
Knowing river miles helps you plan your float time.
Understanding mileage helps you estimate float duration and daylight needs.
Approximate float distances:
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Packsaddle to Mill City – 7.0 miles
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Packsaddle to Fisherman’s Bend – 8.5 miles
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Fisherman’s Bend to Mehama – 6.58 miles
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State Park to Mehama – 3.0 miles
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Mehama to Stayton – 9.96 miles
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Stayton to Trestle Bridge – 5.26 miles
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Hess Rd to Greens Bridge – 8.10 miles
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Greens Bridge to Jefferson – 5.20 miles
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Jefferson to I-5 Ramp – 3.58 miles
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I-5 Ramp to Buena Vista – 8.00 miles
All distances are approximate and vary by current speed and water level.
Operating hours follow daylight for safety.
Our shuttle service runs daily from sunrise to sunset. Early launches and later take-outs can often be accommodated with advance notice.
On weekdays, take-out times before 3:00 PM may be more limited due to driver availability. We ask that weekday take-outs be scheduled after 3:00 PM when possible.
If you have special timing needs, contact us directly — we’ll do our best to help.
Service Areas
North Santiam River Shuttles is based in Stayton, Oregon and serves the entire North Santiam River corridor.
We regularly provide shuttle service in:
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Gates, OR
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Mill City, OR
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Mehama, OR
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Lyons, OR
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Stayton, OR
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Scio, OR
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Jefferson, OR
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Salem, OR
Because we are locally owned and operated by Mike Oser, we understand seasonal river flows, access points, and local conditions. That local expertise ensures reliable, safe, and efficient shuttle service throughout the region.
Planning a float on the North Santiam River?
Call North Santiam River Shuttles at 503-979-8253 or book online to secure your preferred launch and take-out times. We make one-way river trips simple, efficient, and stress-free. Let us handle the driving — you focus on the river. Book online now.
People Also Ask
What does a North Santiam river shuttle service do?
A river shuttle service relocates your vehicle and trailer from your launch site to your take-out location so you can complete a one-way float without coordinating multiple vehicles.
How much does a North Santiam shuttle cost?
Most routes cost $40 per vehicle. Floats to Buena Vista are $65 due to ferry fees.
Is a river shuttle worth it?
Yes. It saves time, simplifies logistics, and removes the need for two drivers or complicated vehicle swaps.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking several days ahead is recommended, especially during peak fishing seasons and weekends.
Who should use a river shuttle?
Drift boat anglers, kayakers, rafters, and anyone planning a one-way float benefit from professional shuttle service.
FAQ
Are North Santiam River Shuttles available all year?
Yes. We operate 12 months per year, weather permitting. Extreme river or weather conditions may temporarily affect service for safety reasons.
Who typically uses your shuttle service?
Our customers include drift boat anglers, fly fishermen, rafters, kayakers, and recreational floaters planning one-way trips on the North Santiam River.
How far ahead should I schedule my shuttle?
We recommend booking several days in advance, especially during weekends and peak fishing seasons. Same-day bookings are limited and not guaranteed.
How does vehicle transfer work on the day of my float?
You launch at your chosen access point. We pick up your vehicle and trailer and relocate them to your designated take-out while you float downstream.
What does the shuttle service cost?
Most shuttle routes are $40 per vehicle. The Buena Vista route is $65 due to the ferry cost.
What are your operating hours?
We operate daily from sunrise to sunset. Weekday take-outs before 3:00 PM may be limited due to driver availability.