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 | General Description
Open: May 1st - October 31 from 6 am to 10 pm
Managed by: Marion County
Location: Little North Fork Recreation Area
Services: 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
Popularity: High
Accommodations: Elkhorn Valley Campsite, Bear Creek Campground
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Salem
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
- 75 miles northeast of Eugene.
Swimming hole 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
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.
Address: North Fork County Park, Lyons, OR 97358
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.