*NEW* Take a Google Earth Tour of the North Santiam Watershed
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is defined as a topographically delineated area drained by a stream. It is also referred to as a catchment and extends ridge top to ridge top. The interactions of the terrestrial and aquatic environments within the watershed determine watershed health.
About the Watershed 
The North Santiam Watershed is located in the Central Cascades in Oregon, starting near Mt. Jefferson and flowing into the Willamette Valley. The watershed drains an area of approximately 766 square miles over 92 river miles. Historically, the watershed provided a majority of winter steelhead production and about one-third of the spring Chinook salmon production for the Willamette Basin. Although the river is very healthy overall, it is listed on the Clean Water Act 303 (d) list for exceeding summer water temperature standards. Basic information about the North Santiam watershed and nearby Calapooia and South Santiam watersheds can be found here.
Why Watershed Management?
Much of Oregon’s natural resource management is based on watersheds. Why? First, watersheds are natural boundaries. Watershed management organizes and guides land and other resource use to provide desired goods and services without adversely affecting soil and water resources. This type of management also recognizes the interrelationships among land use, soil, water and linkages between upland and downstream areas. Finally, watershed management is based on scientific method; local citizens identify and prioritize projects, develop action plans, implement projects, and evaluate them.
North Santiam Watershed Facts
- Headwaters in Mt. Jefferson
- Flow range of North Santiam River: 750-58,000 cfs
- Characterized by steep forested uplands and flat alluvial lowlands
- Home to Chinook Salmon & Steelhead Trout, federally threatened species
- Supports 8 communities: Jefferson, Stayton, Lyons, Mehama, Mill City, Gates, Detroit, and Idanha
- Detroit Dam and Big Cliff Dam serve purposes of flood control, hydropower, and recreation
- Overall, a very healthy river – Help us keep it that way!
North Santiam Watershed Assessment (PDF, 28MB)
North Santiam Watershed Assessment Summary (PDF, 6MB)
