Little North Fork Swimming Spot | Little North Santiam River

The Little North Fork of the Santiam River offers a wonderful recreation experience within 40 minutes driving from the city of Salem. You will enjoy a scenic river landscape, excellent hiking, refreshing swimming, and exciting fishing at Little North Fork Swimming Hole not far away from North Fork County Park.

Park your car along North Fork Road and find a trailhead. Short but a little steep hike is required. The 200-foot trail runs down to the secluded swimming spot. The bank of the river is lined with small boulders and large pebbles. A beautiful clear swimming hole has both shallow for kids and deep for swimming and diving spots. The bottom of this part of river consists of large uneven boulders.

Cautions: Watch for poison oak.

Open: May 1st - October 31 from 6 am to 10 pm
Managed by: Marion County
Location: Little North Fork Recreation Area

Services: None
Activities: Swimming, hiking, fishing, rock jumping, rope swinging

Distance from the parking: 200 ft
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Usage: Light to Moderate

Accommodations: Elkhorn Valley Campsite

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Salem

Elevation: 760 ft (232 m)

This spot on the Little North Fork is located:

5.5 miles northeast of Lyons
29 miles east of Salem
74 miles southeast of Portland.

Secluded undeveloped swimming spot

Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Moderate to rapid
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: River rocks
Water T° (summer): Cool