This is a tremendous spot when it is not crowded and littered. Otherwise, because the pool areas are small, it may seem closed in. The bank is mostly large rocks and small boulders, but beside the upstream pool is a 60-foot-long coarse-sand beach that can be very comfortable. The downstream hole is at the base of a rock outcrop.

Driving Instructions

	Bear Creek Park Rating: 7 Location: County Park Water quality: Excellent; transparent to bottom Vital statistics: 60' wide; at least 7' deep; moderate current; 71 F (July); light algae; rock, pebble and bedrock bottom; moderate to heavy use Setting: Forested valley at 920'; moderate to heavy litter Swim skill: Moderate Amenities: No drinking water; pit toilets Entry fee: No Topo: Mill City North 7-1/2'

Bear Creek Park is 29.6 miles east of Salem. From the junction of Highway 22 and 1-5 in Salem, head southeast on Highway 22 to the turnoff for Little North Santiam Recreation Area and Little North Fork Road, 21.9 miles, between mileposts 23 and 24. Turn leftand drive to the park, 7.6 miles, between mileposts 30 and 31, on the left (0.4 mile past the Canyon Creek turnoff). Drive to parking, 0.1 mile.

Hiking Instructions

The trail to the river begins next to the pit toilets. Hike to the stream, 220 feet. Walk to holes 200 feet upstream or 130 feet downstream.