Little North Santiam River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little North Santiam River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Little North Santiam River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Marion |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of Battle Ax and Opal creeks Cascade Range 2,085 ft (636 m) 44°50′48″N 122°12′33″W / 44.84667°N 122.20917°W |
| River mouth | North Santiam River near Mehama 619 ft (189 m) 44°47′05″N 122°36′30″W / 44.78472°N 122.60833°W |
| Length | 27 mi (43 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 113 sq mi (290 km2) |
The Little North Santiam River is a 27-mile (43 km) long river in western Oregon, United States. It flows into the North Santiam River. This river helps drain 113 square miles (290 km2) of land in the Cascade Range. This area is east of Salem and the Willamette Valley.
The river starts in the Opal Creek Wilderness. This is where Battle Ax and Opal creeks meet in Willamette National Forest. The Little North Santiam River then flows mostly west and southwest. It goes through forests in Marion County. Finally, it joins the larger North Santiam River near Mehama. You can find roads like North Fork Road along the river's lower parts.
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Little North Santiam River. From where it starts to where it ends, these include Opal, Battle Ax, Gold, Horn, Tincup, Cold, Stack, Cedar, and Little Cedar creeks. Further downstream are Dry, Henline, Evans, Fawn, Elkhorn, Fish, Sinker, Moorehouse, and Big creeks. Even more streams join it closer to its mouth, like Cougar, Bear, Canyon, Kiel, Beaver, Jeeter, Cox, and Polly creeks.
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Fun Things to Do Along the River
The Little North Santiam River area is a great place for outdoor activities. Many parks and campgrounds offer fun for families and friends.
Camping and Day Trips
You can find several spots for camping and day trips along the river.
Shady Cove Campground
The United States Forest Service manages Shady Cove Campground. It is located in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. This area is part of the Willamette National Forest along the upper river. Shady Cove has places for tents and trailers. It also has picnic tables and restrooms. You can access hiking trails from here, but there is no drinking water. The campground is open all year. However, snow might block it in winter. It can also be very wet in April and May.
Three Pools Day Use Area
Downriver from Shady Cove is the Three Pools Day Use Area. The Forest Service also manages this spot. About 15,000 people visit this area every year. It is famous for its "three spectacular emerald pools." These pools are perfect for swimming in the river. The area offers picnic spots and restrooms, but no drinking water.
Salmon Falls Park
Further downstream, you will find Salmon Falls Park. This is a county park that covers about 23 acres (9.3 ha). It is a day-use park with a 30-foot (9 m) waterfall. The park has picnic tables, a restroom, and access to the river. You can also find hiking trails here. Salmon Falls Park is open from May 1 to October 31.
Little North Santiam Recreation Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) looks after the Little North Santiam Recreation Area. This area includes the Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site. It has 23 campsites for tents and trailers. There are also 4 picnic spots, parking, restrooms, and drinking water. You can also reach trails and river beaches from here.
Canyon Creek Recreation Site
Canyon Creek Recreation Site is a separate day-use park. The BLM also manages this park. It has 15 picnic spots and a sandy river beach. You can find drinking water, parking, and restrooms here. Both Elkhorn Valley and Canyon Creek sites are usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bear Creek Park
Marion County operates Bear Creek Park. It covers about 15 acres (6.1 ha) of land. This park is located between the two BLM sites. It is open from May 1 through October 31. Bear Creek Park has 15 campsites. It offers parking, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is also a restroom and access to the river and a hiking trail. A campground host is usually available to help visitors.
North Fork Park
Further downstream is North Fork Park. This is a 12-acre (4.9 ha) day-use area managed by Marion County. It is open from May 1 through October 31. The park has picnic tables, river access, hiking trails, and a restroom.
Fishing in the River
The Little North Santiam River is home to different types of fish. You can find rainbow trout, including a type called steelhead. There are also cutthroat trout. Fishing for trout is best in the upper parts of the river. However, any trout you catch must be released back into the water. This is called "catch and release" fishing. Chinook salmon also visit the river. But fishing for Chinook salmon in the Little North Santiam River is not allowed.
