After North Fork Road officially opened to the public last year, we wanted to give you an update on what parks in the North Fork Corridor are open this summer, and which will remain closed.

As you may remember, Marion County Public Works completed extensive projects in the North Fork to provide a safer roadway corridor, including resurfacing the road, replacing and installing new guardrail, and replacing and installing new road signs. They have also worked diligently to ensure some parks are open and safe for recreation this year.

Two Parks Open for Summer

We are excited to announce that two parks in the North Fork Corridor are now open for recreation. However, we want to caution that, after the fires, things will look a little different as you venture out into these areas. Public Works crews have worked to mark what areas of the parks are accessible to the public with orange construction fencing. They have also laid new gravel trails in some areas to improve river access. We want to remind individuals to please stay within the sectioned areas of the park, as the plant life outside of these areas is still growing and recovering after the fire and could be easily trampled. Additionally, there is still a risk in some areas of unstable ground, countless trip hazards and hazard trees that could fall without warning.

It is imperative to respect all rules and regulations for your own safety while visiting Marion County Parks. The day use fee for these parks is $5 per vehicle. The fee can be paid at one of four pay stations. These pay stations take only credit and debit cards. Cash is no longer accepted.

North Fork Park

North Fork Park opened for day use on May 15, 2024, including amenities such as parking, a restroom, picnic tables, and river access. This was one of our most popular recreation spots before the fire, and we are happy to have it open for the public again, though there is a significant lack of shade tree coverage post-fire. So, remember to pack sufficient sunscreen if you are planning to wander out this way. Open areas of the park are cordoned by orange construction fence to protect the areas still in recovery, or to protect the public from hazardous areas, so again, please respect these barriers.

Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park has also opened for summer day use and recreation, with similar amenities to North Fork Park. This area especially is cordoned with orange construction fence to protect the plant life that is still growing and recovering after the fire. There is, however, a sectioned walking trail available as well as a stairway to river access.

Salmon Falls Park

Unfortunately, Salmon Falls Park will remain closed to the public until Summer of 2025 due to damage and ongoing repairs to the park, including installing a new bathroom (the old bathroom was severely damaged in the fires), as well as allowing plant life to recover. Venturing into this park could not only be unsafe, but it is also a fineable offense. For your safety, the preservation of the land, and the safety of Marion County Sheriff Officers, we strongly encourage you not to explore this until it is formally opened next year.

Highway 22 Parks

With the exception of Niagara Park and Minto Park, which are both still undergoing repairs, all other county parks along Highway 22 are open for recreation, including Packsaddle Park and North Santiam Park. North Santiam Park is currently open for camping on a first come first served basis. We encourage you to explore and enjoy these parks and the beautiful recreational opportunities they provide.

Please Enjoy Responsibly

As we have urged in the past, please remember that while this is area is beautiful and fun to enjoy for your recreational uses, there are residents with privately owned lands throughout this corridor. Green and red signs have been replaced to remind the public where there is and isn’t public access. Please respect the property owners and their losses in this wildfire. This entire area is still in active recovery. While we want everyone to enjoy the beauty Marion County Parks have to offer, we do ask you be respectful of the parks and of the residents in these areas.

Santiam Canyon Parks Summer Update