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Middle Santiam Wilderness

Cascadia, Oregon · Linn County · Facility

Ranges from steep slopes, high peaks, and ridges at the higher elevations to gently sloping and benchy terrain in the lower elevations. The most prominent features are Chimney Peak, Donaca Lake and the Middle Santiam River. Native fish populations thrive in both river and lake.Much of this wilderness is forested with m…

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44.52881, -122.25552
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Middle Santiam Wilderness

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High64°F
Avg Low41°F
Peak Rain Chance4%
Humidity59%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality35 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
51°/35°
🌬 8mph
5:28 AM8:45 PM
Sun
🌤
Mostly Clear
56°/38°
🌬 11mph
5:27 AM8:46 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
71°/46°
🌬 10mph
5:27 AM8:46 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
81°/45°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
5:26 AM8:47 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
59°/41°
💧 4%🌬 7mph
5:26 AM8:48 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Middle Santiam Wilderness

Ranges from steep slopes, high peaks, and ridges at the higher elevations to gently sloping and benchy terrain in the lower elevations. The most prominent features are Chimney Peak, Donaca Lake and the Middle Santiam River. Native fish populations thrive in both river and lake.Much of this wilderness is forested with mature stands of old-growth Douglas-fir, western redcedar and western hemlock at lower elevations and true firs near ridgelines.View larger map

How to Get There

Access 1: From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 to Quartzville Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 11), to Forest Service Road 1142, to McQuade Creek Trail #3397; Road 2041 at Mid-Santiam River, Trail #3382; Access 2: From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 to Quartzville Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 11), to Forest Service Road 1152, follow FS Road 1152 to Forest Service Road 640, follow FS Road 640 to the junction with Forest Road 642. The trailhead is at the junction.Access 3: From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 to Soda Fork Road (Forest Service Road 2041), follow FS Road 2041 to the junction with Forest Service Road 646. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Middle Santiam Wilderness

Heading to Middle Santiam Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Middle Santiam Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Middle Santiam Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/244119) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Middle Santiam Wilderness?

Access 1: From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 to Quartzville Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 11), to Forest Service Road 1142, to McQuade Creek Trail #3397; Road 2041 at Mid-Santiam River, Trail #3382; Access 2: From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 to Quartzville Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 11), to Forest Service Road 1152, follow FS Road 1152 to Forest Service R…