Little North Santiam Trail #3338

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This trail has parking at both ends so it can be done in either direction or as a short shuttle. Parking is limited at both ends. The dirt roads leading to either side should be passable by any vehicle. This version is mapped from west to east.

From the west end of the trail you'll set off through a plantation before the trail takes a quick switchback to the left/north. Enough people have missed this turn that there is a very well-worn trail leading 50 feet or so to a rock where it obviously ends. You'll cross a bridge over a small creek and a second bridge over a larger creek before Santiam River comes into view. The next section of the trail has great views of the river and impressive rapids.

You'll soon come to another creek crossing that lacks a bridge and can be precarious when the water is high. Triple Falls is only a short distance after the creek - a suitable reward. Triple Falls is very impressive with high water, but obscured by trees. There's a great campsite here too.

After Triple Falls the trail leaves the river and climbs over 400 feet. There are two good viewpoints near the top of this ascent from which you can see Henline Mountain and Santiam River far below. The trail then descends about 400 feet and returns to the edge of Santiam River. You'll cross two more creeks: one with large logs that make crossing easy and the other small enough to not cause problems.

The next feature is Three Pools, a very popular set of swimming holes. Three Pools Day Use Area is across the river offering much easier access than this trail (and hence it can be quite crowded in summer).

The trail continues to follow Santiam River the remaining ~one mile to the east trailhead without any significant elevation changes and only one more notable creek crossing.