Little North Santiam
The Little North Santiam River is an extremely popular place, especially for Salem residence to come to in the summer and swim. So if you are looking for a great hike where you will not see very many people, try this hike in the late fall, winter and early spring.
If you are looking at the map, you may notice that this hike crosses a total of 5 streams, which depending on the time of year can get quite big. However, there is nothing to worry about, the popularity of this hike makes it so that it is very well maintained and all of the creek crossings have sturdy well-kept bridges to cross.
If you are looking at the map, you may notice that this hike crosses a total of 5 streams, which depending on the time of year can get quite big. However, there is nothing to worry about, the popularity of this hike makes it so that it is very well maintained and all of the creek crossings have sturdy well-kept bridges to cross.
(The five bridges that you cross during the hike)
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The first .7 miles of this hike are easy, as the trail traverses through thick Douglas fir forest. Here there is a small side trail that leads down to what is called Little Falls. This little detour is a must (you can walk out onto a rock that is in the middle of the river). |
(Panorama picture of me at Little Falls)
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During the next 1.3 miles, the trail gets pretty steep, with amazing views into the narrow river canyon. From a viewpoint you can see Henline Mountain as well as Henline Falls on the other side of the gorge. After the viewpoint, the switchbacks take you back down 1.3 miles to the river bank and to the next marvel along this hike.
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At around the 3.3 mile mark, you will see a strange rock sculpture rise from the water. Although this rock does not have a name, this area of the river is well known as Three Pools, as there are three very beautiful deep turquoise pools within a half mile stretch of the river. Near the rock spire, there is a really cool cave which the river has formed from years of reaching high water levels and ripping around the bend. |
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After another 1.2 miles through forest, the trail ends at Road 2207 where a historic wooden bridge was rebuilt in 1991 so cars could drive across the river. If you cross the bridge here you will come to Shady Cove Campground, in case you want to make this into an overnight trip. This campground is on a particular idyllic part of the river.
(View of the Little North Santiam River from the historic bridge)
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From the bridge the trail continues for another mile, however since it is already a long hike, we did not continue on. If you are wanting to backpack to its end and spend the night, this would be a great short 5.5 mile backpacking trip. All of the beaches that you see on your way along this trail are gorgeous, and many of them look like tropical places because of the magical turquoise water. This place is definitely tempting to hike in warmer months when you could swim here, however be aware that there are hundreds of folks who flock here during the hot summer months. |
(Our idyllic pebble beach lunch spot right before Three Pools)
Overall, this is a spectacular hike! The trail is very well maintained and the tread is easy to walk on. There is one 2.5 mile stretch where it does get a bit steep, but overall it is not too difficult. This hike is marked as "moderate" only because of its length. But like I said earlier, you can make this a one way day hike by spending the night at Shady Cove Campground, or by continuing the extra mile down the trail past the bridge and camping. If you have smaller children but still want to experience this close to Salem gem, you can always drive to the campground and start there, doing the 1.2 easy miles to the awesome Three Pools area.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which prohibits any fires at any of the primitive campsites along the trail and along Little North Santiam River.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which prohibits any fires at any of the primitive campsites along the trail and along Little North Santiam River.
Approximate hike time: 4 hours 45 minutes w/ an average pace of 1.7 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is winter and early spring, because there might be a nice dusting of snow in the winter, and in early spring all of the leaves start popping making the trail extremely green. There are also less people during these seasons).
Trail usage: Moderate to heavy (heavy usage on hot summer days)
Directions: Drive 23 miles east of Salem on N. Santiam Hwy 22 until you reach the town of Mehema's second flashing yellow light. Turn left onto Little North Fork Rd. for 14.5 miles. Turn right onto Elkhorn Dr. SE which is gravel and looks like someone's driveway. Cross a bridge and continue .4 miles, then park at the turnout on your left.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is winter and early spring, because there might be a nice dusting of snow in the winter, and in early spring all of the leaves start popping making the trail extremely green. There are also less people during these seasons).
Trail usage: Moderate to heavy (heavy usage on hot summer days)
Directions: Drive 23 miles east of Salem on N. Santiam Hwy 22 until you reach the town of Mehema's second flashing yellow light. Turn left onto Little North Fork Rd. for 14.5 miles. Turn right onto Elkhorn Dr. SE which is gravel and looks like someone's driveway. Cross a bridge and continue .4 miles, then park at the turnout on your left.
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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