• North Fork Park is a popular destination on a hot summer day
• A broad sandy and pebble beach, wide rock ledges, and large swimming pool
For all the nature lovers and those looking for a place to cool down, the beautiful Little North Fork of the Santiam River with emerald crystal-clear waters is a top destination on hot summer days. The Little North Fork begins in the Opal Creek Wilderness of the Cascade Range and flows through the Willamette National Forest to meet the North Santiam River near Mehama.
North Fork County Park is one of numerous excellent swimming spots along the Little North Fork just off North Fork Road. A short distance from Salem makes this river extremely popular among residents of the Salem Metropolitan area.
The North Fork Park is the first parkland purchased by Marion County. The 11.98-acre area on the riverbank has a great swimming hole with a broad sandy and pebble beach, wide rock ledges, and picnic sites. The large swimming pool forms where the river bends flowing slower, and the water is warming up faster. Due to the park's popularity, this destination is typically crowded on summer weekends.
Nice rapids feeding the swimming hole can be used as a natural water slide. Some visitors use the rapids for legs and back massage. Rock jumping from the bedrock and rocks is another option for water-lovers.
The other side of the river is private property. Respect land ownership and stay out.
North Fork County Park has picnic tables, hiking trails, and a vault toilet on the parking lot. Fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout is available (catch and release only).
North Fork Park Camping & Lodging
North Fork Park is a part of the Little North Fork Recreation Area which include several recreation areas and campgrounds. Camping is not permitted at North Fork Park but you can find a tranquil spot for your camp on the river bank at Elkhorn Valley Campsite, Bear Creek Campground, or Shady Cove Campground.
The nearest Lodging is available in Salem, 27 miles away.
North Fork Park | Facts
Open: May - October; Day use from 6am to 10pm
Managed by: Marion County
Amenities: Vault toilets, no water, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, hiking, fishing, rock jumping, water sliding
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Elevation: 720 ft (219 m)
North Fork Park is located:
- 4 miles northeast of Lyons
- 27 miles east of Salem
- 73 miles southeast of Portland.
Swimming spot rating: 5 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Sand and river rocks
Water T° (summer): Cool
Adventures Nearby
Directions to North Fork Park
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 for about 2.1 miles to the destination on the right.
Phone: 503-588-5036
I know the North Fork was closed last year. Is it open this year?
All of North Fork and Shellburg are closed indefinitely due to catastrophic wildfire Sept 2020. Roads currently only allow residents and utilities in.