Portland: Old Salmon River Trail
Hike along a renowned Salmon River on this 5-mile trip through a moss-covered virgin forest to salmon spawning pools, whitewater drops, and hollowed out Douglas firs large enough to resemble caves.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.0
Waypoints
OSR002
Location: 45.3066596984863, -121.940742492676
Jog L and cross bridge over a gurgling tributary
OSR001
Location: 45.3093109130859, -121.942314147949
Old Salmon River Trail: Path quickly turns R and heads down switchbacks
OSR003
Location: 45.3013916015625, -121.939567565918
Campsite on L; salmon spawning spot in river; great rapids up 25 yards
OSR004
Location: 45.2991943359375, -121.939544677734
Sidetrip: Turn L to see a giant Western red cedar; return to main trail and continue S
OSR005
Location: 45.2961769104004, -121.940391540527
Continue straight, skipping boulders across river
OSR006
Location: 45.2924766540527, -121.94108581543
Turn L onto blacktop for 100 yards, then take second dirt trail on R back toward the river
OSR007
Location: 45.2873611450195, -121.94066619873
A cathedral grove of old-growth Douglas firs on the L
OSR008
Location: 45.2851219177246, -121.942878723145
Campground tucked away in the old growth; nice set of cascades in river
OSR009
Location: 45.2812843322754, -121.941596984863
Left onto blacktop; climbers use rock wall across road for training; drop back onto the trail on R after 150 yards
OSR010
Location: 45.2788696289062, -121.940383911133
Upper trailhead; return to car or extend trip up Salmon River Canyon for 10.8 mi. to Trillium Lake for an overnight