Canyon Creek | Little North Santiam River

Surrounded by an old-growth forest, Canyon Creek Recreation Site is a beautiful place where you could easily spend an entire day.

Managed by BLM, Canyon Creek offers picnicking, camping, swimming and jumping opportunities. A big open swimming area on a bend of the Little North Fork of the Santiam River with a slow river current, broad sandy and pebble beach make this destination a popular spot on a hot summer day.

A big rock across the river is used for jumping. Small rapids upstream that connect a few small pools feed the bigger pool and can be used by kids for the natural water slides. Canyon Creek also features a small waterfall on the opposite side of the river.

There are a few picnic sites, a hand pump for potable water, and a restroom.

There are many other swimming and picnicking places within Little North Santiam Recreation Area including North Fork County Park, Bear Creek County Park, Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site, Salmon Falls County Park, and the Opal Creek Wilderness oasis - Three Pools Recreation Area.

Open: May - September from dawn to dusk
Managed by: BLM
Location: Little North Santiam Recreation Area

Services: Vault toilets, potable water, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, rock jumping, fishing, hiking

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: Moderate to high

Accommodations: Elkhorn Valley Campsite

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Salem

Elevation: 1,000 ft (305 m)

Canyon Creek is located:

9.3 miles east of Lyons
33 miles east of Salem
78 miles southeast of Portland
81 miles northeast of Eugene.

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