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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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Oregon
Willamette Valley Region
Santiam State Forest
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SANTIAM STATE FOREST
SANTIAM STATE FOREST
North Santiam State Park plays host to some of the most beautiful riverfront in the area. It is one of the finest steelhead fishing spots on the North Santiam River. North Santiam State Park is an undisturbed day-use area with drinking fountain and restroom facilities. Picnic tables dot the grass, making North Santiam State Park a great place to stop to stretch and eat a picnic lunch. Hiking trails show the beauty of the large old-growth trees and the river.
History of the Area
Early History: Before the arrival of European settlers, the Santiam Canyon, where Santiam State Forest is now located, was primarily inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kalapuya, Molalla, Santiam, and others. These Native American groups relied on the forest and its resources for hunting, gathering, and various cultural practices.

Logging Expansion: The late 19th century saw widespread logging activities across Oregon, and the Santiam Canyon was no exception. Logging companies began clearcutting large sections of the forest to extract valuable timber, leading to significant environmental degradation.

Creation of Santiam State Forest: By the 1930s, the unsustainable logging practices had taken a toll on the forest, resulting in erosion, soil degradation, and important wildlife habitat loss. In response, the State of Oregon intervened and acquired large portions of the land. In 1949, the Santiam State Forest was officially established.
Camping
1. North Santiam State Recreation Area: This is a day-use park along the banks of the North Santiam River that offers picnic spots, fishing and boating opportunities.

2. Fishermen's Bend Campground: Located on the bank of North Santiam River, this campground provides RV sites with hookups as well as tent camping areas.

3. Elkhorn Valley Campground: Nestled in old growth forest alongside Little N Fork river, it has 23 campsites for tents or self-contained RVs.

4. Detroit Lake State Park: It's not exactly within but near to santium state forest which features over 300 spacious campsite including yurts and cabins available year-round where you can enjoy activities like swimming,boating etc.

5. Shady Cove Group Site: A group site located at Shady Cover offering amenities such as drinking water & vault toilets suitable for family gatherings.

6. River Edge Summer Home Tract: Offers seasonal rentals from May through October . The tract includes both single:family units and duplexes.

7. Santaim Flats Day Use Area And Boat Ramp: Although primarily used by rafters/kayakers/anglers launching boats onto upper section of north fork santain river there are few primitive campsites too.
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Swimming
Santiam State Forest offers several swimming options for visitors. The North Santiam River, which runs through the forest, is a popular spot for swimmers and provides an opportunity to cool off during hot summer days. There are also numerous creeks throughout the forest that offer secluded spots perfect for taking a dip.

Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site located within this state forest has designated areas along Elkhorn Creek where you can swim safely while enjoying scenic views of surrounding wilderness.

For those who prefer lake swimming, Fish Lake Remount Depot Cabins provide access to Fish Lake - known as one of Oregon's best high mountain lakes with clear water ideal for both fishing and swimming.

Shellburg Falls Recreational Area features Shellburg creek running alongside it providing another option if you fancy wilder waters or want some waterfall adventure combined with your swim experience.
Fishing
In this lush woodland area, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of options. The rivers and streams are teeming with different species such as Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Anglers may choose to fish in the larger bodies of water or opt for smaller creeks that run through the forested landscape. Whether you prefer fly-fishing or traditional rod-and-reel methods, there's something here for everyone who enjoys casting a line amidst beautiful natural surroundings.


Location
Santiam State Forest is located near Silverton, Salem

Picnicking
Santiam State Forest in Oregon offers a variety of picnicking options for visitors. There are several picnic areas scattered throughout the forest, many with tables and grills available on a first-come-first-served basis. Some sites also have restroom facilities nearby for convenience. The lush greenery provides ample shade during sunny days while riverside locations offer beautiful views and opportunities to spot local wildlife or fish. Hiking trails leading from some picnic spots allow you to explore more of this stunning state forest before or after your meal.

Trails
1. Monument Peak Trail: This is a moderate, 4-mile round trip trail that leads to the summit of Monument Peak offering panoramic views of Santiam State Forest and beyond.

2. Shellburg Falls Loop Trail: A family-friendly hike spanning approximately 6 miles in length with an elevation gain of around 800 feet; it features beautiful waterfalls including Stasel falls and Lower Shellburg falls.

3. Stout Creek Trails: These trails are perfect for mountain biking as well as hiking, covering about eight miles through dense forest terrain with some steep sections requiring careful navigation.

4. Opal Pool-Cedar Flats Hike: An easy-to-moderate level trail stretching over seven miles along the Little North Fork River leading hikers past several swimming holes before reaching Cedar Flats' old-growth grove.

5. French Creek Ridge Trail: It's a challenging but rewarding six mile out-and-back route featuring stunning wildflower displays during springtime and breathtaking vistas from atop ridges throughout its course.

6. Elkhorn Valley Nature Area Trails: The area offers multiple interconnected loop trails totaling up to five kilometers which pass by riverbanks, wetlands & mixed conifer forests providing opportunities for bird watching or wildlife spotting.

7. August Mountain Loop: Approximately nine-kilometer long moderately difficult track looping around August Mountain showcasing diverse plant life while also passing near historic mining sites within Santiam State Forest.

8. Rooster Rock-Henline Falls Combo: Combining two popular hikes into one ten kilometer trek this path takes you alongside Rooster rock then onto Henline creek culminating at picturesque Henline waterfall.

9. Santiam Wagon Road Historic Interpretive Trial: Shorter than most other routes (around three kilometers) but rich in history taking visitors back time when pioneers used these paths on their journey westward.

10. Jawbone Flat/Opal pool via Whetstone Mtn. trailhead: A moderately difficult 14-kilometer hike that takes you through old mining sites, Jawbone Flat museum and ends at the beautiful Opal pool.

11. Silver Falls State Park Trail: Although technically not within Santiam Forest boundaries it's close proximity makes this a popular choice for hikers in area; featuring ten waterfalls along its nine mile loop.

12. Henline Mountain: This strenuous five-mile round trip trek offers an elevation gain of over 2, 200 feet leading to panoramic views from atop Henline mountain including Mt Jefferson & Three Sisters on clear days.

13. Battle Ax Creek Loop: An approximately seven kilometer long moderate level track looping around Battle ax creek offering scenic river vistas with opportunities for fishing or swimming during summer months.

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Directions
1. Start by heading south on I:5 S towards Salem.
2. Take exit 253 for OR:22 E toward Detroit Lake/Bend and merge onto OR-22 E.
3. Continue driving east on OR:22 for approximately 30 miles until you reach Mill City.
4. In Mill City, turn right onto N First Ave/NE North Santiam Hwy (OR:214).
5. Follow this road as it winds through scenic landscapes and forests for about 15 miles.

Once you arrive at the forest entrance:
6a: If your destination within the Santiam State Forest is specifically Drift Creek Falls Trailhead or Three Pools Recreation Site - continue straight ahead on NE North Fork Rd/NF Road #2209 after passing Mehama Community Church; both destinations are accessible via this route further down NF Road #2209.
or
6b: For general access to other areas within the forest such as Henline Falls Scenic Area or Opal Creek Wilderness - take a slight left off NE North Fork Rd/NF Road #2209 when reaching Elkhorn Golf Course & RV Park intersection; then proceed along Little Noisy Creek Rd/Santaim Wagon RD SE which leads into various parts of the forest.

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Oregon State Parks

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