Everything for your stay
Check-in details, the house guide, our favorite corners of the Santiam Canyon, and answers to the questions every guest asks.
Checking in
Check-in — after 3:00 PM
Self check-in with the smartlock. Your personal door code, the full address, and turn-by-turn directions arrive by email one week before your stay.
Getting here
The lodge is in Gates, Oregon — about 35 miles east of Salem on OR-22, in the heart of the Santiam Canyon. Roughly 35 minutes from Salem and an hour and a half from Portland.
Parking & EV charging
Plenty of room for multiple vehicles — including trailers for boats, rafts, and kayaks — and a Level 2 EV charger available on site. Launch right from the river bank.
Wi-Fi
Reliable Wi-Fi throughout the house. Network details are in your arrival email and posted inside the lodge.
Checkout — before 10:00 AM
Start the dishwasher, bag the trash, lock up. That's it — we handle the rest.
Where we actually go
The Santiam Canyon, from the people who live on it. Ask us for current favorites when you book — they change with the seasons, and we love sharing them.
On the water
Fish, raft, and kayak right from the property. The North Santiam is known for winter steelhead and spring Chinook, and summer floats through the canyon are unforgettable. Detroit Lake, about 15 minutes east, adds boating and swimming.
Eat & drink
Gates and Mill City are minutes away for essentials and casual meals; Detroit has lakeside dining in season. Stock up in Salem or Stayton on the drive in.
Day trips
Detroit Lake State Park (~15 min) · Silver Falls State Park and its ten waterfalls (~35 min) · The Oregon Garden (~30 min) · the Little North Fork's emerald swimming holes in season · Mt. Jefferson views along OR-22 · Salem (~35 min).
The canyon itself
This stretch of the Santiam Canyon is recovering beautifully from the 2020 fires — the same fires the lodge is built from. Watch for new growth on the hillsides; the story is all around you.
What's here, what to bring
The lodge arrives stocked for a comfortable first night. Here's what's waiting for you, and the few things worth packing.
In the kitchen
A full kitchen with cookware, knives, dishes, glassware, coffee maker, and the basics — salt, pepper, oil, dish soap, and a starter supply of coffee and tea. Bring groceries for the week; the nearest full store is in Stayton or Salem.
Linens & towels
All beds are made with fresh linens, and bath towels are provided for every guest. Pack your own beach or river towels for the water — and a swimsuit for the hot tub year-round.
Bath & comfort
Starter hand soap, shampoo, and toilet paper in each bath, plus extra blankets and pillows in the closets. For longer stays, bring any specialty toiletries you prefer.
Good to pack
Layers for cool canyon evenings, sturdy shoes for the riverbank, a headlamp or flashlight for after dark, and anything your dog needs. Cell service is limited — download maps and playlists before you arrive.
Asked often
How many can stay?
Nine guests maximum, across 3 bedrooms and 7 beds — a king, a queen, singles, a bunk, a sofa bed, and a floor mattress.
Are the hot tub and sauna year-round?
Yes — the spa hot tub and the hot stone sauna facing the river run in every season. Winter soaks are the best soaks.
Can we bring boats?
Please do. There's parking for multiple vehicles with watercraft trailers, and river access from the property. Please note: river access involves outdoor steps and uneven natural terrain.
Are pets allowed?
Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome for a $175 pet fee. Tell us when you book so we can have everything ready for them too.
Is there cell service?
Wi-Fi at the house is reliable; cell coverage in the canyon varies by carrier, as it does in most mountain country. Most guests find the quiet is the point.
What about the garage?
The detached garage beside the lodge isn't part of the rental and is occasionally accessed by the owners. Everything else is yours.
The fine print, in plain words
Cancellation
Our cancellation terms are confirmed in writing with every booking quote, before you pay. If your plans change, tell us early — we'll always try to rebook your dates and return what we recover.
House rules
Check-in after 3 PM · checkout by 10 AM · 9 guests maximum · no parties or events · quiet hours after 10 PM, out of respect for the canyon and our neighbors. Exterior security cameras are on the property; carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are installed.
River safety
The North Santiam is a living river — currents change with the season. Life jackets for children at the water, always. There is no lifeguard; swim and float at your own judgment.