Marion County Swimming Holes

There is slack water on the side near the bar. But the current picks up toward the opposite shore. The river divides into rapids just downriver.

Driving Instructions

Santiam River Rest Area is 13.1 miles south of Salem. From the junction of Highway 22 and 1-5 in Salem, head south on 1-5 to the rest-area exit, 12.6 miles, between mileposts 241 and 242. Drive to parking, 0.5 mile.

Hiking Instructions

From parking, walk toward the river, following signs to the equestrian area, 0.2 mile. At the gravelled equestrian parking lot, walk across a line of jumbled concrete blocks to pick up the primitive road/trail just on the other side. Hike toward the river and then alongside it downstream to a large pebble-and-gravel bar, 0.5 mile. The trail forks twice; bear right both times. Stay out of the willow thickets.