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.
Little North Fork Swimming Spot | General Description
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
Adventures Nearby
Directions
From Salem,
- Drive approximately 24 miles east on State Highway 22 to North Fork Road/Little North Fork
- Turn left onto North Fork Road and continue about 4.2 miles to your destination on the right.
GPS (Beach): N 44°47.810' W 122°31.503' | 44.7968, -122.5251
GPS (Parking): N 44°47.884' W 122°31.463' | 44.7981, -122.5244