Little North Santiam Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Little North Fork Trailhead
- End point: [Shady Cove Campground]
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back or Shuttle
- Distance: 9 miles out and back, or 4.5 mile shuttle
- Elevation gain: 400 FEET
- Difficulty: moderate
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable:No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
Treat your eyes to a visual feast of greens as you hike through an old growth forest along a magical river. The Little North Fork of the Santiam trail is located in the Opal Creek Recreation Area. The 4.5 long rolling route parallels the river with a trailhead at either end. This is a great trail for stashing your bike near the upper trailhead and driving back down
Starting at the Little North Fork Trailhead you will have a mild elevation gain to a high point halfway along the trail. There are a number of wooden footbridges along the way, and several opportunities to scramble down to the river and enjoy the smooth stoned beds, chutes of crystal clear water and emerald pools perfect for swimming on a hot day. Just after 3 miles, you will pass a viewpoint for the three pools area with a nifty rock pinnacle in the river. This is a good turnaround point if you are happy with a 6.5 mile hike. The three pools day use area is across the river, so on hot days you will see people swimming here.
If you choose to continue on, at 4.5 miles, you will emerge from the forest onto road 2207. Just over the bridge to your left is the [Shady Cove Campground]. Grab your bike and zoom back to your car, or turn around here and hike back.
Maps
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
A northwest forest pass is needed to park at the upper and lower trailhead.
Trip Reports
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Related Discussions / Q&A
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades , by William L. Sullivan
More Links
- Willamette National Forest trail page for the Little North Fork trail.
Contributors
- cfm (creator)