Salmon River Trail

• Largely Flat Trail
• 4.4 Miles roundtrip
• Old Growth Forest
• River Scouting Opportunities

There are seven trailheads all off to the right of E. Salmon River Road. All are easily accessible under normal conditions. The hike meanders alongside the river, providing ample opportunities to scout the river's class II-III rapids and to camp. If you go further up the river you'll find the Salmon River Trail, which is more strenuous and goes alongside the class V waterfalls of the upper Salmon River.

There is one point at which the trail crosses a moderately deep stream. If you don't have waterproof boots there is a side trail just before the stream (on your left when facing the stream, on your right when facing north) which you can take to the road and if you take the road south (parallel to the trail) for about 100 yards you'll find a campsite and trailhead on your right which leads to the main trail on the other side of the stream.

The hike is relatively easy and appropriate for older demographics. My parents who are usually wary of harder hikes found it quite pleasant.

Directions from US 26:

If you're headed East (toward Mount Hood) take a right onto E. Welches Road. You'll have to veer right twice to keep on E. Welches road, then continue straight (South) when it merges with Salmon River Road. The first trailhead and parking area is on the right just after the forest service sign.

If you're headed West (toward Portland) take a left onto Salmon River Road. Continue past the forest service sign. The first trailhead and parking area is on the right just after the forest service sign.