Crabtree and Thomas Creeks – Covered Bridges, Swimming & Rockhounding

Beautiful streams originating on the western side of the Cascade Mountains, Crabtree and Thomas Creeks wind through the Santiam State Forest and farming areas before joining the South Santiam River.

Located near Salem and Albany, the area attracts visitors wishing to explore self-guided Covered Bridge Tours. Three of the six bridges - Gilkey, Shimanek, and Hannah - cross Thomas Creek, while two - Hoffman and Larwood - span Crabtree Creek. The Stayton-Jordan Bridge is located in Stayton.

In addition to an informative tour along Covered Bridge Route, visitors can enjoy swimming, rockhounding, and fishing.

Swimming

The warm and quiet waters of Thomas and Crabtree Creeks are perfect for summer swimming, even for children and those with basic swimming skills. The water heats up quickly to a comfortable 70–75°F in mid-summer.

Several swimming spots are found under covered bridges where the creeks narrow and deepen. Larwood and Hannah Bridges feature picnic tables and vault toilets.

The most scenic swimming and diving area is called Broken Dam and can be found at Jordan Bridge.

Fishing

The creek supports populations of smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. Small runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead are also present, but the creek is closed to salmon and steelhead angling. Trout fishing is open from late May through October on a catch-and-release basis only. Warmwater gamefish may be taken during trout season, with no catch limit.

Whitewater Kayaking

Thomas Creek is known among whitewater kayakers. The upper 5-mile section is rated Class III to IV, while the 9.5-mile lower section ranges from Class II to III depending on flow volume.

Rockhounding

The creek is popular among rock collectors for its agate, jasper, petrified wood, and fossils. Be aware that most creek banks are privately owned and marked with “No Trespassing” signs. Only a few areas lie on public land.

The best time for rockhounding along Thomas Creek is during low water levels, when gravel deposits are exposed and the stream can be easily forded.

Located right by the Larwood Wayside Park at the junction of the Roaring River and Crabtree Creek, Larwood Covered Bridge over Crabtree Creek is one of the six covered bridges within a short distance from Scio and Stayton.

According to "Ripley's Believe It or Not", it's the only place in the world, where a river empties into a creek.

Larwood Covered Bridge: Where the Roaring River Meets Crabtree Creek

Under the Richardson Gap Road Bridge, Thomas Creek is deep enough for swimming, with shallows upstream. On the northeast side of the bridge, a short, steep path leads down to the water. In summer, the creek is calm and comfortably warm.

This site is 5.5 miles from Scio. From town, drive 2.2 miles east on Highway 226, then turn right onto Richardson Gap Road and continue 3.2 miles south to the bridge.

GPS: N 44°39.514' W 122°48.252' | 44.658567, -122.804200

Built in 1939 over Thomas Creek, Gilkey Covered Bridge is a part of the scenic Covered Bridges Tour Route near Scio and Stayton. The bridge was named after the town of Gilkey, which started as a railroad station in 1880.

In addition to historic value, Gilkey Covered Bridge is a great spot for swimming, rockhounding, and fishing.

Gilkey Covered Bridge – History and Recreation on Thomas Creek

Built in 1936, Hannah Covered Bridge, also known as Thomas Creek Bridge, spans the Thomas Creek that begins in the Willamette National Forest and flows 35 miles west to the South Santiam River.

The site offers swimming, fishing, and rockhounding opportunities.

Hannah Covered Bridge – A Historic Landmark on the Covered Bridge Tour

One of the most scenic swimming spots on Thomas Creek is located at Jordan Bridge near Highway 226. Previously, the creek was spanned by Jordan Covered Bridge, constructed in 1937.

Though the site is undeveloped, it attracts water enthusiasts who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and rock jumping during the hot summer months.

Broken Dam – Swimming and Fishing at Jordan Bridge on Thomas Creek

The last publicly accessible stop along Thomas Cr Driveeek, which follows the lower creek, is a popular swimming destination. Features include a rope swing, shallow and deeper swimming spots, a pebble bottom, and a small shady beach. This site is also favored by rock collectors, with agates, jasper, and petrified wood found along the creek.

From Scio, head 9.2 miles east on Highway 226, turn right onto Thomas Creek Drive, and continue 4.5 miles. The road becomes gravel just before the locked gates of the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company. Park along the road and follow a trail down to the river.

GPS: N 44°42.752' W 122°36.579' | 44.712356, -122.609312