Jordan Creek, Oregon, US

Headwaters to Wilson River

Gauge Information

River Description

This is a great place for up and coming paddlers to learn safe creek boating skills. Follow the signs to Jordan Creek ORV area off of Highway 6 in Oregon.
There are mile markers along the way. Above mile 6.5 is a rare vein of Granite in an otherwise Basalt canyon. Class V rapids and a very steep gradient above this point. A difficult seal launch into a pool below the granite leads paddlers into a mini gorge with short drops. A significant ledge occurs less than 1 mile downstream. It cannot be see from the road, and poses a dangerous hydraulic at medium to high flows. Difficult scout and portage. After this point there are tons of Class III drops and long stretches of Class II water. Most rapids can be scouted on the drive up. Put in as high as water and comfort levels permit.
The last mile is a classic. The river drops nearly 100' here and has close to a dozen Class III Rapids. Several long boulder slides, and medium sized ledges provide great action for intermediate paddlers. At the first significant drop in this section the river builds from Class II into fast Class III demanding a strong move into an eddy to avoid a large rock. Immediately after that is a fun set of ledges. After a few more Class III's is a fast set of big waves down the left wall. Don't worry--there is no hole at the bottom. A final Class III drops paddlers onto the most likely swollen Wilson. Like an ocean after Jordan Creek. Enjoy.