Bear Creek County Park | Little North Santiam River

Located 29 miles east of Salem and 7 miles from Highway 22 on the Little North Fork of the Santiam River, Bear Creek is the beautiful day-use park and the first Marion County's campground. Surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and other conifer trees, Bear Creek offers excellent picnicking, hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

There are hiking trails through the park and down to the river including a stairway. The small but beautiful swimming pool is situated downstream of the trail. The bank is packed with boulders and river rocks.

Each site of the 15-site campground has a fire ring and picnic table, three of them are handicap accessible.

Open: May - October; Day use from 6am to 10pm
Managed by: Marion County
Location: Little North Santiam Recreation Area

Services: Potable water, restrooms, picnic sites, fire pits, and garbage service
Activities: Camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Annual parking pass
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Usage: Moderate to heavy

Accommodations: 15 campsites

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Salem

Elevation: 1,200 ft (366 m)

Bear Creek Park is located:

10 miles northeast of Lyons
33 miles east of Salem
78 miles southeast of Portland
81 miles northeast of Eugene.

Swimming spot rating: 3 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Boulders and river rocks
Water T° (summer): Cool