Salem, OR: Little North Santiam Trail
Grab your hiking boots and a swimsuit for this 7.4-mile hike along the Little North Santiam River that tours a string of crystal clear swimming holes.
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Hikers looking for a refreshing escape from the summer heat should explore this 7.4-mile out-and-back along the Little North Santiam River. Roughly an hour from Salem, the riverside hike tours a natural water park with deep emerald pools linked by chutes, cascades, and waterfalls. From the trailhead near Elkhorn, follow Little North Santiam Trail along the river, passing several spurs to rocky beaches and cascading waterfalls. Less than half a mile in, the trail bears right and climbs steadily away from the river to a vantage point overlooking the gorge, Henline Mountain, and Triple Falls.
From here, the route descends back to the river and passes a roomy campsite with access to a secluded beach. After 2.5 miles, the trail travels past the Three Pools area, a popular swimming hole marked by a rock pinnacle and a series of chutes and pools. (For more solitude, continue 1,000 feet to a quiet, pebbly beach east of Three Pools.) At mile 3.7, the trail meets Forest Road 2207 and a small parking area (good place to park a shuttle car). Turn around and follow the same route back to the trailhead.
INFO: Little North Santiam Trail #3338
-Mapped by Eli Boschetto, Bosco Mountain Photo











Trail Facts
- Distance: 11.9
Waypoints
LNS001
Location: 44.833938, -122.3509169
From the trailhead just east of Elkhorn, hike north on the Little North Santiam Trail.
LNS002
Location: 44.8353455, -122.3493183
Cross the first of many rustic log bridges.
LNS003
Location: 44.8358096, -122.3468882
Continue straight, heading southeast. Optional: Turn left to follow the short, steep spur that leads down to a rocky beach.
LNS004
Location: 44.8356137, -122.3459494
Pass a short spur that leads down to a rocky beach and a deep pool.
LNS005
Location: 44.8352618, -122.3447263
Cross a log bridge. Look for trillium alongside the trail.
LNS006
Location: 44.8368519, -122.3434496
The trail passes a short, overgrown spur to the river (nice views, but poor access).
LNS007
Location: 44.8370269, -122.3432028
A short spur leads to rocky outcrops. You’ll find views of a wide waterfall pouring over a basalt bench.
LNS008
Location: 44.8370726, -122.3428488
The trail turns right (east) and starts to climb. Recommended: Take the spur trail straight ahead for views of a waterfall.
LNS009
Location: 44.837491, -122.342881
This rocky platform offers views above the waterfall. You can access the pool upriver by following the spur and scrambling over rocks.
LNS010
Location: 44.8387996, -122.337302
Cross a creek.
LNS011
Location: 44.8391039, -122.3360896
Look through the trees and across the gorge for views of a large waterfall. There is no access to the pools below this point.
LNS012
Location: 44.839081, -122.3356497
Pass a small campground with a fire ring. There’s a faint and very steep trail that descends toward water.
LNS013
Location: 44.8389897, -122.3345876
The route passes a short spur that leads to views of the river gorge and Henline Mountain.
LNS014
Location: 44.8387311, -122.3316371
Enjoy the views from this vantage point; avalanche lily flourish in sunny spots.
LNS015
Location: 44.8381757, -122.3258972
Cross a bridge.
LNS016
Location: 44.8383659, -122.3199964
Cross two more log bridges.
LNS017
Location: 44.8396212, -122.3175073
A roomy campground with a fire ring is located between the trail and the river. Look for the short spur that links the campsite to a private pebbly beach and deep pool.
LNS018
Location: 44.8398974, -122.3182335
Relax at this little beach with a deep emerald pool.
LNS019
Location: 44.838267, -122.3131299
Cross a wooden bridge.
LNS020
Location: 44.838317, -122.3100547
Look down onto the popular Three Pools area, an often-crowded swimming hole with deep pools and chutes (no river access here).
LNS021
Location: 44.8387971, -122.3075711
The spur trail on the left leads to a rocky beach at the top of the Three Pools area.
LNS022
Location: 44.8388531, -122.3078261
Lucky hikers may find solitude at this pebbly beach with a deep green pool.
LNS023
Location: 44.8389974, -122.3046005
Pass a small campground with a fire ring and easy access to the river.
LNS024
Location: 44.8388376, -122.3030233
A short spur trail descends to the river; look for a small natural arch in the basalt bedrock.
LNS025
Location: 44.8389167, -122.3019167
Cross Little Cedar Creek on a rustic bridge.
LNS026
Location: 44.841409, -122.3022938
A steep spur on the left descends to a large rock outcrop near a small pool.
LNS027
Location: 44.8457298, -122.2979486
Turn around at FR 2207 and retrace the route back to the trailhead (Shady Cove Campground is located across the bridge).
Cascade Pool
Location: 44.8358248, -122.3459226
Deep green pool beneath a small cascade. © Eli Boschetto
Waterfall
Location: 44.8372171, -122.3431277
Wide waterfall pouring over a basalt bench. Look for deep pools above and below. © Eli Boschetto
Cool Green
Location: 44.8376812, -122.3427844
Large pool above bench waterfall. © Eli Boschetto
Hidden Falls
Location: 44.8391191, -122.3359609
Tall waterfall across the gorge. © Eli Boschetto
Little North Santiam River Gorge
Location: 44.8387843, -122.3314869
Views of the Little North Santiam River gorge and Henline Mountain. © Eli Boschetto
Private Pool
Location: 44.8399255, -122.3181081
This gorgeous pool has its own private pebbly beach and is attached to a nice campsite. © Eli Boschetto
Three Pools
Location: 44.8383203, -122.3099327
This popular swimming hole has a series of deep green pools connected by small chutes and cascades. © Eli Boschetto
Pebble Beach
Location: 44.8388985, -122.307744
This deep, quiet pool with small beach is at the top of the Three Pools area. © Eli Boschetto
Wooden Bridge
Location: 44.8389289, -122.3018003
This length of trail crossed numerous creeks and streams on rustic wooden bridges. © Eli Boschetto
Shady Forest
Location: 44.8439726, -122.3010278
Cool and shady old-growth forest. © Eli Boschetto
FR 2207
Location: 44.8457298, -122.2978306
The bridge on FR 2207. © Eli Boschetto