About this spot
This popular swimming area sits along the Little North Santiam River in Willamette National Forest near Lyons, reached via North Fork Road (Forest Road 2209) off Highway 22. The North Fork day-use site, at the second bridge about 7 miles up North Fork Road, has a roughly 65-foot jump platform and clear, deep emerald pools framed by basalt outcroppings. Continuing upriver reaches Salmon Falls (a 30-ft waterfall with fish ladder and deep plunge pool) and Three Pools Day Use Area, both also used for jumping. Parking is informal roadside pull-offs with no fee; the corridor draws heavy crowds on summer weekends. Water is cold and depth varies by pool and season — scout from the bank and check for submerged rock before jumping, and expect no cell service.