| Description: Spencer's Hole is the
summer hole of choice for Northern Oregon Paddlers. Come drought or
just the low water months Spencer's Hole is a dependable place to
play during Summer and Fall months. It
is a small strongly retentive ledge hole that prefers that you cart
wheel to the right much to the consternation of the Hordes of
Portland Paddlers who only like to cart wheel left like at Bob's
Hole. Spencer's is a great place to learn how to
loop!
It gets crowded on sunny summer weekends, so
go for the big moves and keep the line moving. The rocks are
frequently covered with heckler and carnage hungry paddlers taking a
break and stretching their legs. As always keep your eyes open for
down river paddlers and rafts. |
| Eddy Service: Spencer's has good, but
some what demanding eddy service during the recommended water
levels. The eddy has two parts. Getting a boat between the upper and
lower parts requires a strong burst of vigorous. From the upper eddy
you can get easy access to the hole. Above 1350 cfs the eddy service
makes the hole too much work to be really worthwhile. |
| Water Levels:
1350 cfs to 2000 cfs: The hole is there
but the eddy really doesn't work. Bring a rope to pull yourself up
or be ready to walk after every ride.
1350-900 cfs:
The hole is in and the eddy service is working, come down and loop it up and throw right cart wheels
until you are exhausted.
Below 850 cfs: The hole starts getting shallow
and most paddlers will hit the rock on almost every ride.
|
| Gauge: North Santiam River at Mehama,
OR |
| Season: Summer, the hole generally in
from mid-July until the rains come again in the Fall. |
| Difficulty: Intermediate on up. Watch
out for the rock right behind the hole. |
| Driving Directions: Spencer's Hole is
located in the town of Gates, OR just of Oregon Highway 22 between
Salem and Detroit Lake. From just in front of the Post Office in
Gates, head West on Central Street. Park at the bottom of the first
hill on the thin shoulder along the river side of the road. About half
way down the small hill there is a trail which heads down to the bed rock
slot where Spencer's Hole is located. There are several trails in
the vicinity which will try to lead you astray, just head for the roar of the rapids (Spencer's)
and you will find the hole. |
| GPS Location: 44°45.243-N,
122°25.827-W Spencers Hole, 44°45.309-N, 122°25.867-W
Parking |
| Closest Town: Gates, Oregon |
| Closest Services: If you need gas,
food or anything else Gates or Mill City should have what you need. |
| Other Local Attractions if the play isn't
in: There is good Mountain Biking in the nearby area. |
| Closest Camping: During the summer
months local camp grounds tend to be crowded because Detroit Lake is
just up Highway 22. Beyond the lake there may be opportunities for
camping at undeveloped sites in the forest. |
| Local's Tips: On the weekends come
early and avoid the crowd. |
| Local Kayak Shops: Alder Creek and
Next Adventure are shops to hit in Portland. |
