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 · 1,500 ft³/s · About average

Salmon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Salmon Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Salmon Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Salmon Falls, see below

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

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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

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 short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

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

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 about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

1,500 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

591 970 2.3k 2.8k

Based on 97 years of record

3.38 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.2 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

48 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 453 sq mi

Altitude: 1,094 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AT NIAGARA, OR (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1500 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1710 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

1605 cfs

6/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

1500 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

1500 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

1620 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

1680 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

1680 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Gates hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 129 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,130 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 133 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 72 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Salmon Falls near Gates, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Salmon Falls near Gates, Oregon, showing about 129 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,130 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 129 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

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

1,135 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.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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