Cascadia Day-Use Area is a scenic destination along the South Santiam River, just off Highway 20, near Short Covered Bridge, one of Oregon's historic covered bridges.

In the 1930s, the Cascadia Ranger Station was built here. This site was originally part of the Santiam National Forest and later became part of the Willamette National Forest. In 1963, a new ranger station was completed in Sweet Home.

Today, this small but beautiful park offers picnic tables, an information kiosk explaining the area's history, and access to the only remaining historic covered bridge over the South Santiam River.

The river is deep beneath and downstream of the bridge, while upstream areas feature shallows and gravel bars. It is a great spot for sunbathing, wading, and rockhounding along the riverbanks.

Cascadia State Park, a historic park managed by Linn County, is located 2 miles east.

Things to Do at Cascadia Day-Use Area

Swimming at Cascadia Day-Use Area

If you're looking to swim, wade, or even dive, the stretch of the South Santiam River below the covered bridge is an excellent spot. The water is typically calm and relatively warm during the summer months.

Fishing at Cascadia Day-Use Area

Trout fishing is allowed from May 22 to October 31, and it is catch-and-release only.

Short Covered Bridge

Short Bridge is the only remaining historic covered bridge over the South Santiam River.

Unlike most surviving covered bridges that now have metal roofs, Short Bridge retains a traditional wooden shingle roof.

Short Covered Bridge - The Only Covered Bridge over the South Santiam River

Cascadia Day-Use Area doesn't have camping, but the nearby Cascadia County Park does.

The park campground sits along Soda Creek and has 25 single, first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables and fire rings at each site.

There are also 2 group sites for groups of up to 50 people, which should be reserved in advance.

If you are looking for more comfortable accommodations, you can find plenty of options in Sweet Home.

Lodging in Sweet Home

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays at Sweet Home

Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service

Amenities: Picnic site
Activities: Swimming, hiking, and fishing

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Elevation: 900 ft (300 m)

Cascadia Day-Use Area is located:

13 miles east of Sweet Home
53 miles northeast of Eugene
64 miles southeast of Salem.

Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Rock ledges,
Water T° (summer): Cool