Recreational Opportunities Associated With The North Santiam Hwy.
Detroit Ranger District (US Highway 22)
The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Willamette National Forest offer a stunning choice of year round recreation for day-trippers and vacationers alike from scenic drives, hiking, camping, fishing or skiing to picnicking or rafting along one of our scenic rivers. Seven major volcanic peaks rise within the Forest's Wilderness areas: Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters, and Diamond Peak.
In other words, the Willamette National Forest is filled with special places! We've used this page to feature places and areas that offer a special type of experience but there are many more. Visit our recreation page to discover your very own special place on the forest! You can also use the interactive visitor map to help on Interactive Boat Oregon Map and select boating area of interest.
Detroit Ranger District is located in the northern part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering Mt. Hood National Forest and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
This area is accessible from the west on Highway 22 from Salem, from the east on Highway 22 via Highway 20/126 from the Santiam Pass area, or from the north on Forest Road 46 from the Mt. Hood National Forest. Our adventure begins with a narrative of the boat launch on the lower reach of the North Santiam River upriver from the confluence with the Main stem of the Santiam River.
Weekly trout stocking schedule
Each year, ODFW stocks millions of trouts in dozens of reservoirs, lakes and ponds throughout the state. You can use the search and filter functions to search the stocking schedule for specific locations and dates. The schedule is subject to change without notice; see individual waterbody listings in the Recreation Report for updates.
The U.S. Army Corps stockings have been incorporated into the ODFW stocking schedule. ODFW provides U.S. Army Corps stocking information as a courtesy to anglers, but changes may be made to those stockings without notice.
Jefferson Ramp is a no use fee boat ramp managed by the City of Jefferson. Contact: 541-327-2768 on the North Santiam River at Jefferson Location: 44.716211, -123.013198w Directions: Exit I-5 at Exit 238, Albany, OR 97321 onto Jeffersion Hwy OR164. Travel east for 2.2 miles. Cross the bridge over the North Santaim River and turn noth onto Mill St. Turn left immediately into the boat launch facility adjacent to the railroad bridge.
Green Bridge is a no use fee boat ramp managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact: 800-720-6339 located on the North Santiam River
Comments: Key required to open gate. Contact ODFW at 541-757-4186 to make arrangements. Location: 44.7078, -122.97204 Directions: Exit I-5 at Exit 238, Albany, OR 97321 onto Jeffersion Hwy OR164. Travel east for 2.2 miles. Cross the bridge over the North Santaim River and turn south onto S. Main St. Travel 0.6 miles where S. Main St. changes to Jefferson Scio DR. SE. Follow Jefferson Scio DR. SE for 1.8 miles the Bridge over the North Santiam River. Drive another 100 feet and turn right into the boat launch facility. Turn right and follow the frontage gravel road to the launch area.
Buell Miller is Managed by: Linn County is a no use fee boat ramp managed by Linn County. Contact: 541-967-3917 located on North Santiam River Location: Location: 44.757783, -122.864633 Directions: Exit I-5 at Exit 238, Albany, OR 97321 onto Jeffersion Hwy OR-164. Travel east for 2.2 miles. Cross the bridge over the North Santaim River and turn south onto S. Main St. Travel 0.6 miles where S. Main St. changes to Jefferson Scio DR. SE. Follow Jefferson Scio DR. SE for 1.8 miles the Bridge over the North Santiam River. Road name changes to Jefferson Scio Dr. Travel 3.3 miles to Shelburn Dr. Turn left onto Shelburn Dr. and travel 2.9 miles to Hess Rd. Travel 1.2 miles to the end of Hess Rd. Drive another 300 feet into the boat launch facility.
Stayton Bridge a no use fee boat launch is managed by: Linn County. Contact: 541-967-3917 located on the North Santiam River. Comments: Closed due to flood damage. 1/4/16. Location: 44.79115 , -122.794783 Directions: Exit the Cascade Hwy 22 at exit 13. Travel south for nearlly 2.0 miles to the boat launch located on the downstream of the bridge over the North Fork of the Santiam River.
Bennett Dams: Upper and Lower Bennett Dams are located southeast of the town of Stayton on the North Santiam River. Upper Bennett Dam is on the south side of Stayton Island and Lower Bennett Dam is on the north side.
Fish passage structures and video cameras are installed at each dam. Review of the video feed allows an ODFW employee to count the number and species of fish making their way upstream.
Lyons-Mehama is a no use fee boat launch managed by: Linn County Contact: 541-967-3917 Location: 44.78837 , -122.61767 Directions: To access the Lyons-Mehama boat launch exit the Cascade Hwy 22 at onto Or. 226 also referred to as 5th St. in the community of Mehama. Travel south the short distance and cross the bridge over the Norhe fork of the Santiam River and turn right to access the boat launch located on the upstream of the bridge over the North Fork of the Santiam River. The access road to the boat ramp goes under the bridge.
John Neal Memorial Park is a no use fee boat launch managed by: Linn County Contact: 541-967-3917 located on the North Santiam River. Location: 44.78357, -122.60794 Directions: to the boat launch at the John Neal Memorial Park exit OR-22 & turn south onto OR-226, Memaha/Lyons, OR for 1.3 miles. Keep straight onto Main St for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto N 13th St. At 0.4 miles the road name changes to Neal Park Rd. Gated road does not sound inviting. Drive to the boat ramp area.
North Santiam State Recreation Area is a no use fee boat launch managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Contact: 1-800-551-6949. The North Santiam Recreaton Area is located on the North Santiam River. Location: 44.772886, -122.567305 Bureau of Land Management, State of Oregon GEO, State of Oregon, Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, NGA, USGS, U.S. Forest Service. Directions: the North Santiam State Recreation Area boat launch area is located at the end of Santiam Park Rd SE off of Hwy 22 east of Mahama.
7th Street boat launch is a no use fee boat launch on the North Fork of the Santiam River. The boat launch is managed by the City of Mill City. Contact: 503-897-2302 Location: 44.75445, -122.4681
Packsaddle Park is a no use fee boat launch on the North Fork of the Santiam River managed by: Marion County Contact: 503-588-5304 Location: 44.75735 , -122.3652
The North Santiam Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in Marion County negotiating a lease with the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers by indicating they would donate $500 to assist in improvement of the entrance road. The Chamber was sponsoring the "White Water Challenge" at the time, and wanted to use the park as a point of assembly and raft launching. The park is contiguous to land leased by the State Fish Commission for a salmon egg collection station. The Park and Recreation Commission named the park "Packsaddle" because Packsaddle Creek flows through the area. The park is primarily used by drift boaters, fishermen, and sightseers.
Camping at Detroit Lake
Here you will find popular campgrounds in the Detroit Lake Area, as well as Breitenbush Campground and Shady Cove Campground that serve as the base for adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, OHV riding, swimming, and more.
Hiking
Incredible vistas await while backpacking in the Mt. Jefferson - Jefferson Park Trail Area and the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.
Many day hiking opportunities can be found throughout the district such as the Detroit Reservoir Trail Area and Coffin Mountain Trail Area.
Other Recreation
Big Cliff Reservoir is located imediately down stream from Detroit Lake. Access is walk in only, and is Managed by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Contact by 541-942-5631 Use Fee: None.Comments: The boat ramp is closed until further notice, per the Army Corps of Engineers. Walk-in portage of boats is still allowed.
Birding: Big Cliff Dam is located three miles downstream from Detroit Dam, and is a designated stop along the Mt. Jefferson section of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. This trail is a self-guided auto tour of nearly 200 prime birding destinations in the Oregon Cascades. Large trees and snags along the shoreline provide roosts for osprey, while hardwood forests around the reservoir provide for neotropical migrant songbirds.
Detroit Lake. From the Army Corps of Engineers: Detroit Dam is located at river mile 49 on the North Santiam River, about 45 miles southeast of Salem, Ore. Detroit is a concrete dam with gated spillways. It was completed in 1953 with Big Cliff Dam, located just downstream, at a cost of $62.7 million. Detroit Dam has two hydropower generating units which were put into service in 1953, capable of producing 50 megawatts each. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here.
Detroit Dam works together with Big Cliff Dam to provide flood risk management. Detroit’s other authorized primary purposes also include hydropower, water quality improvement, irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation.
Birding: The lake is a designated stop along the Mt. Jefferson section of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. This Trail is a self-guided auto tour of nearly 200 prime birding destinations in the Oregon Cascades. This area provides songbird habitat in its hardwood stands, while osprey use lakeshore snags and trees as roosts and nesting sites and waterfowl including common mergansers nest at the lake.
Camping: Four recreation sites at Detroit are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Call the Detroit Ranger Station at 503-854-3366 or click one of the links for more information: Cove Creek Campground; Hoover Campground; Piety Island Campground; or Southshore Campground.
Two recreation sites at Detroit are operated by Oregon Parks and Recreation. Call either the park office at 503-854-3406, the State Parks Information Center at 800-551-6949 or click one of the links for more information: Detroit Lake State Park; or Mongold day-use area. Mongold day-use area also has a life jacket loaner station available.
Boat Launching Facilities: Mongold State Park boat launch is a fee use facility managed by: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The entrance to the Mongold State Park boat launch is located 3.9 miles from our point of reference from the Detroit Lake Reservoir Dam. Contact: 800-551-6949 Location: 44.712217 , -122.192917.
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area: the entrance to the Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is located 5.4 miles from our reference point from the Detroit Reservoir Dam. The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area has horseshoe pits, a basketball court, a volleyball area, and a playground. There are two courtesy boat ramps, two reservable boat moorages, and a fishing dock.
Detroit Lake State Park - D Ramp
Contact: 800-551-6949
Waterbody: Detroit Lake
Use Fee: Yes
Comments: None
Location: 44.728217 , -122.175883
Detroit Lake State Park - F Dock
Contact: 800-551-6949
Waterbody: Detroit Lake
Use Fee: None
Comments: None
Location: 44.728967 , -122.172917
Detroit Lake State Park - G Ramp
Contact: 800-551-6949
Waterbody: Detroit Lake
Use Fee: Yes
Comments: None
Location: 44.730667 , -122.170167
Detroit Lake State Park - H Marina
Contact: 800-551-6949
Waterbody: Detroit Lake
Use Fee: Yes
Comments: None
Location: 44.73207 , -122.16691
Detroit Lake Marina is a private marina. Cantact 503-854-3423 for additional information. Location: 44.738617 , -122.15195 Detroit Lake Marina is located 7.3 miles from our reference point from the Detroit Reservoir Dam to Brietenbush Rd. Turn north on Brietenbush Rd and left into the enterence of the Detroit Lake Marina.
Kane's Marina a private boat facility. Contact: 503-854-3362 for additional information. Location: 44.7353 , -122.157083 - Kane's Marina is located 7.4 miles from our reference point from Detroit Reservoir Dam. Turn right onto Detroit Ave N, and then immediately turn right onto D St W. Turn right onto Detroit Ave N, and then immediately turn right onto D St. Turn left onto Patton Rd N. Turn left onto Patton Rd. Turn right onto Clester Rd W. Turn right onto Clester Rd W. Turn right onto Erin St. W and you have arrived.
Hoover Campground a no use fee boat ramp is managed by: U.S. Forest Service at Contact: 503-854-3366 Location: 44.715 , -122.123333 (4.2 mi) from 44.737812, -122.152001 to Hoover Boat Ramp FS Rd, Gates, OR 97346 . Depart OR-22 / N Santiam Hwy toward Detroit Ave N 3.0 mi. Turn right onto Blowout Rd.for 0.2 mi. Road name changes to Blowout-Idanha Rd an Unpaved Road for 0.7 mi. Turn right onto Hoover Campground Loop FS Rd to boat launch.
Cove Creek Campground a no use fee boat ramp is managed by: U.S. Forest Service at Contact: 503-854-3366 Location: Location: 44.714033 , -122.157633 Depart OR-22 / N Santiam Hwy toward Detroit Ave N for 3.0 mi. Turn right onto Blowout Rd an Unpaved Road for 0.2 mi. Road name changes to Blowout-Idanha Rd. An Unpaved Road for 4.1 miles Cove Creek Rd. Turn right toward Cove Creek Boat Ramp FS Rd. Cove Creek Campground is located approximately 5 miles east of Detroit on Hwy 22 and Forest Road 10. Forest Road 10 is also known as Blowout Road. They offer 67 camping sites for tents or RV’s. There is an improved boat ramp, showers, toilets and water available. Reservations are required and fees are applicable.
South Shore a use fee boat ramp at Detroit Lake managed by by the U.S. Forest Service. Contact: 503-854-3366 for additional infomation. Location: 44.70761 , -122.17378 South Shore Campground is located off Hwy 22 on Forest Road 10 also known as Blowout Road. They offer 23 camping sites for tents or RV’s. There is an unimproved boat ramp, toilets, shower and water available. Reservations are required and fees are applicable.
From Oregon Atlas of Lakes: Detroit Lake. From Wikipedia: Detroit Lake is a reservoir impounded by the Detroit Dam on the North Santiam River 46 miles (74 km) southeast of Salem, Oregon, United States.[1][2] The lake is adjacent to Oregon Route 22 near the city of Detroit. This mesotrophic lake stores water for use by the city of Salem and other nearby communities.
Many areas offer great boating and swimming such as the Detroit Lake Area: Directions: Detroit Lake is located 50 miles East of Salem, Oregon. To reach the lake, take Hwy 22 East exit from I-5 at Salem. The town of Detroit is located on the East end of the lake.
Nearby:
Detroit Ranger Station is located 5.5 miles from our reference point from the Detroit Reservoir Dam.
Oregon State Parks
Three Pools Day Use Area. Three Pools Day Use Area on the North Fork of the Santiam River is an extremely popular destination, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year. Accessible via a short walk from parking area (fee or recreation pass required), spectacular emerald pools and several picnic sites make this one of the most visited swimming locations in Oregon. Expect to see some large crowds here on a sunny day. Directions From Salem, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 to Mehama. At milepost 23, turn left (north) onto Little North Fork Road (next to the Oregon Department of Forestry building) and proceed for 15.3 miles to the Forest Boundary. Continue of gravel, FS Road 2209 for 1.3 miles to the intersection of FS Road 2207. Turn right and continue another 0.8 miles to Three Pools Day Use Area on the right
Close to:- Opal Creek Wilderness
- Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Area (area is unavailable)
- Shady Cove Campground
Breitenbush Campground: Directions to GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44.7814, -121.99149 44°46'53"N, 121°59'29"W. From Detroit, Oregon, at the intersection of State Route 22 and Forest Service Road 46, take Road 46 north and continue 9.3 miles to the campground on the right.
Close to:
In the summer months, this 3,500-acre, 9-mile long lake in the Cascades below Mt. Jefferson is a popular recreation area for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and operate numerous boat ramps, campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake. Two privately owned marinas are located near the town of Detroit.
Both Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are located 43 miles southeast of Salem on the North Fork of the Santiam River. They are operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley Project. These dams and reservoirs work together for the purposes of flood damage reduction, hydropower generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system.. To learn more about the lake and construction of the dam visit the Army Corps of Engineers website at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/
In late summer, early fall through spring, the water levels on Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier, boat launch, and fish cleaning station
View more Popular Lakes & Rivers
Cove Creek Campground with 63 sites and a 70 person group campground, Cove Creek Campground is the largest national forest Campground on Detroit Lake. Cove Creek Campground rests on the shores of Detroit Lake at an elevation of 1,600 feet. A mix of wooded and open sites are provided at the campground. Its location is near enough to the Detroit Reservoir to hear passing boats, but a little too far for unobstructed views of the lake. The reservoir covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir. The campground offers single and double-family campsites, as well as an accessible group site for up to 70 people. Accessible flush toilets, drinking water and coin-operated showers are available at Cove Creek.
In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed. Detroit Lake is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish are found in the lake. A boat ramp and dock are located next to the campground.
The Stahlman Point Trail is a quarter-mile from the campground entrance road. The trail meanders through younger Douglas fir forests and offers some memorable views of Detroit Lake. Additional hiking trails can be found across the lake, including those that lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock.
Hoover Campground and the the adjacent Hoover Group Site sit among Douglas fir and maple trees and large ferns at an elevation of 1,600 feet on the shores of the sparkling Detroit Lake. An interpretive trail and a viewing and fishing platform are part of the campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets are available at the campground and the group campground has a vault toilet. Access roads are made from compacted rock and dirt. Firewood can be purchased on-site.
In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed.
Sailing, boating, water skiing and fishing are all excellent options for enjoying Detroit Lake. Catfish, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon are among the most common species found in the lake. A convenient boat ramp lies adjacent to the campground.
Several hiking trails dot the area, including Stahlman Point Trail, which offers beautiful vistas of Detroit Lake and the surrounding area. The Hoover Nature Trail is an accessible, short footpath that delights many campers.
Piety Island Campground Parking can be a challenge. The parkind and/or day use fees do not apply towards your camping fee at Piety Island. Travel directions: Piety Island is located in the middle of the North portion of Detroit Lake. Travel by boat from Mongold State Park, Detroit Lake State Park, Detroit Marina, Kanes Marina, Detroit Flats, Hoover Campground, Cove Creek Campground, or Southshore Campground
Santiam Flats Campground: parking is limited within the campground. If visiting for the day, please be aware that overnight campers have priority in the campsite parking. Directions: the Santaim Flats Campgroung is 2.6 miles east of Detroit, From Detroit, follow Highway 22 east for 2.6 miles to Blowout Road #10 on the right. Santiam Flats Campground is on the right.
Southshore Campground Directions: GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44.7054, -122.17619 44°42'19"N, 122°10'34"W. From Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road (FSR10). From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road (FSR10). Proceed on Blowout Road 4.7 miles to Southshore Campground on the right.
Elk Lake is located in Deschutes County. Motorized boats are not allowed on Elk Lake.
Elk Lake Campground is located 12.1 miles north of Detroit. From Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46). Proceed 4.4 miles, turn left onto FS Road 4696. Proceed 0.8 miles, turn left on FS Road 4697. Follow FS Road 4697 for 4.5 miles and turn left at an unmarked junction (still FS Road 4697), continue 2.1 miles to a small spur road located at west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about 0.3 miles ahead. CAUTION: FS Road 4697 is not maintained for the last 4 miles into Elk Lake. Access by low-clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended as the road is rough and rocky.
Humbug Campground is located 4.6 miles northeast of Detroit, Oregon. From State Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46) and continue for 4.6 miles to Humbug Campground on the right.
Humbug Campground is close to:
- Gold Butte Lookout
- Elk Lake Campground
- Upper Arm Day Use Area
- Detroit Flats Day Use Area
- Santiam Flats Campground
Riverside at Detroit Campground Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.64242, -121.94533
44°38'33"N, 121°56'43"W
From Detroit, OR, take Route 22 toward Sisters. Go 14.2 miles to the campground on right side of the road.
From Sisters, OR, head toward Detroit, OR on Route 22. Go 43 miles to the campground on the left.
Marion Forks Campground is 16.1 miles southeast of Detroit, Oregon. From Detroit, Oregon, travel southeast on State Highway 22 for 16 miles to Marion Forks. Turn left at the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery sign. Day Use Area is adjacent to the Fish Hatchery and Marion Creek. Campground is behind the Fish Hatchery.
Close to:
Marion Lake Trail #3436 Marion Lake (Linn) Area: 352.4 acres | Shoreline: 4.4 mi |(From Atlas of Oregon Lakes, Johnson et al. 1985). Marion Lake is located near the western edge of the spectacular Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, and it is the largest lake in Oregon not accessible by automobile. Indeed, with the exception of massive Waldo Lake it is the largest natural lake in the Willamette National Forest on the west slope of the Central Cascades
Marion Forks Campground and Day Use Area is 16.1 miles southeast of Detroit, Oregon. From Detroit, Oregon, travel southeast on State Highway 22 for 16 miles to Marion Forks. Turn left at the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery sign. Day Use Area is adjacent to the ODFW Fish Hatchery and Marion Creek. Campground is behind the Fish Hatchery. Marion Forks Campground and Day Use Area is close to:
Riverside at Detroit Campground is located at GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44.64242, -121.94533 44°38'33"N, 121°56'43"W From Detroit, OR, take Route 22 toward Sisters. Go 14.2 miles to the campground on right side of the road. From Sisters, OR, head toward Detroit, OR on Route 22. Go 43 miles to the campground on the left. Riverside at Detroit Campground is close to:
- Mt. Jefferson - Pamelia Lake Trail Area
- Mt. Jefferson - Marion Lake Trail Area
- Mt. Jefferson Wilderness
- Coffin Mountain Trail Area
- Coffin Mountain Lookout
Shady Cove Campground is located 18.5 miles northeast of Mehama, Oregon. From Salem, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 to Mehama. At milepost 23, turn left (north) onto Little North Fork Road (next to the Oregon Department of Forestry building) and proceed for 15.3 miles to the Forest Boundary. Continue of gravel, FS Road 2209 for 1.3 miles to the intersection of FS Road 2207. Turn right and continue another 1.9 miles to Shady Cove Campground on the right. Shady Cove Campground is clost to:
- Opal Creek Wilderness
- Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Area (area is unavailable)
- Three Pools Day Use Area