Are there fees or permits required for Salmon Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Salmon Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Salmon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Salmon Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,190 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Salmon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Salmon Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Salmon Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Salmon Falls LP · CNTY

Photo Credits (5)

Thomas Shahan 3 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

jd_hiker CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jaykhuang CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Salmon Falls, Waterfalls, Oregon (32589874781).jpg CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Salmon Falls

Salmon Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Gates, Oregon, along the North Santiam River. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors due to its scenic beauty and relatively easy access. The waterfall is known for its wide cascade and tranquil surroundings, making it a great destination for photography and relaxation.

The Setting

Salmon Falls sits at 1,135 feet within Salmon Falls, fed by the North Santiam River, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Henline Falls (126 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Abiqua Falls (92 ft, 11.7 mi) and Stout Creek Falls (34 ft, 10.1 mi).

Henline Falls Abiqua Falls Stout Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Salmon Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads through a forested area with views of the North Santiam River before reaching the waterfall. The path may be uneven in some sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salmon Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Salmon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Salmon Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience, though access could be limited.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and potential hazards such as falling branches or high water levels during heavy rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 37 minutes ago Barely Flowing

1,190 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3.08 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

13.1 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

40 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AT NIAGARA, OR

USGS 14181500

6.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 453 sq mi

Altitude: 1,094 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Salmon Falls is located approximately 5.8 miles from Gates, Oregon, and can be accessed via North Fork Road SE. The coordinates for the falls are 44.8312, -122.3698. Visitors should follow signage for the North Santiam River area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the falls. Visitors should be prepared for roadside parking or small pullouts along the road.

Elevation

1135 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.831237° N, -122.369821° W

Land Management

Salmon Falls LP

Managed by CNTY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls and surrounding area.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Detroit Lake

11.1 miles away · 0 sites

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

Book on Recreation.gov