Middle Santiam River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Santiam River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Middle Santiam River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Linn |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Iron Mountain Cascade Range, Willamette National Forest, Linn County, Oregon 4,149 ft (1,265 m) 44°24′09″N 122°09′43″W / 44.40250°N 122.16194°W |
| River mouth | South Santiam River Foster Reservoir, Linn County, Oregon 640 ft (200 m) 44°24′58″N 122°38′02″W / 44.41611°N 122.63389°W |
| Length | 39 mi (63 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 104 sq mi (270 km2) |
The Middle Santiam River is a river in western Oregon, United States. It is about 38.5 miles (62 kilometers) long. This river flows into the South Santiam River.
The Middle Santiam River starts high up in the Cascade Range mountains. It begins in eastern Linn County, within the Willamette National Forest. Its source is near a place called Iron Mountain.
From its source, the river flows through mountains and a special protected area called the Middle Santiam Wilderness. As it moves through central Linn County, the river is held back by the Green Peter Dam. This dam creates a large body of water known as the Green Peter Reservoir.
About 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) downstream from the Green Peter Dam, the Middle Santiam River joins the South Santiam River. This meeting point is part of another reservoir called Foster Reservoir.
River's Path and Features
The Middle Santiam River begins in the Cascade Range. This is a mountain range in Oregon. The river flows through a wild and natural area. This area is known as the Middle Santiam Wilderness.
Green Peter Dam and Reservoirs
A big dam called the Green Peter Dam holds back the river. This creates the Green Peter Reservoir. Reservoirs are like large lakes made by people. They store water for different uses.
Further downstream, the Middle Santiam River flows into the Foster Reservoir. This reservoir is also fed by the South Santiam River. These reservoirs are important for water storage and recreation.
Smaller Streams Joining the River
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Middle Santiam River. These streams add water to the river as it flows from its source to its mouth.
Some of the named creeks that join the Middle Santiam River are:
- Cougar Creek
- Holman Creek
- Lake Creek
- South Pyramid Creek
- Bachelor Creek
- Pyramid Creek
- Donaca Creek
- Jude Creek
- Egg Creek
- Fitt Creek
- Chimney Creek
- Sixes Creek
- Bear Creek
- Twin Falls Creek
- Crash Creek
- Maple Creek
- Elk Creek
- Knickerbocker Creek
- Cave Creek
- Tally Creek
- Quartzville Creek
- Whitcomb Creek
- Rumbaugh Creek
- Thistle Creek
- Green Peter Creek
- Little Bottom Creek
- Alder Creek
- Coal Creek
- Lewis Creek
These creeks help make the Middle Santiam River bigger and stronger as it travels.
