About ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE
Overview Limited picnic areas at Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site are open for day use, but camping remains closed. Canyon Creek Recreation Site is open for day use.Nearby Attractions:Canyon Creek Recreation Site is located downstream from Elkhorn Valley and is open for day use including swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site, along Hwy 22 closer to Mill City, is open to day use where you can picnic, hold events and gatherings, relax, cool off, fish and put in a non-motorized boat.Along Forest Road 2209 in the Willamette National Forest the sites Three Pools, Shady Cove, Opal Creek Wilderness, and Jawbone Flats are closed until further notice.Recreation - Facilities Camping at Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site remains closed due to heavy wildfire damage, but day use amenities such as picnic sites, vault toilets, and trash services are available in the first loop.Natural Features During your stay, view the deep emerald pools, surrounding cliffs, waterfalls and old-growth forest. Enjoy some of the best swimming in Oregon by cooling off in the refreshing Little North Santiam River on a hot summer day. Nearby Attractions Charges & Cancellations Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
How to Get There
From Salem: Take State Hwy 22 East for 24 approximately miles. Turn left on North Fork County Road. Elkhorn Valley is 8.5 miles up North Fork County Road. Traffic is high during the summer season. Please drive carefully. Be aware of slippery roads during wet and icy weather.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE
Heading to ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE? 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 ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE?
No central reservation system listed for ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273354) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE?
From Salem: Take State Hwy 22 East for 24 approximately miles. Turn left on North Fork County Road. Elkhorn Valley is 8.5 miles up North Fork County Road. Traffic is high during the summer season. Please drive carefully. Be aware of slippery roads during wet and icy weather.
How do I contact ELKHORN VALLEY RECREATION SITE?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-897-2171 or email: BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
