First, you can fish 3 rivers with out waders as theres not much water to cover. The upper nestucca you need some waders, but its summer so its all good to get wet.
As for fishing the big river, theres more bank access up high then down low, but some of the best producing holes are right at the mouth of 3river and the hatchery hole. But you wont be alone, not even on christmas. Trust me, I know lol.
There's the 101 bridge past the bait shop that has a nice hole undernieth the bridge before you drive over. Then at farmers creek boat ramp, nice couple holes. Then 1st bridge has a nice slot you can hit from the bank. Majority of the bank access is above 4th bridge tho.
Chad, PM me when you guys hit the nestucca. I'll be spiltin my time between the N.santiam and there.