Santiam State Forest is a state forest located approximately 30 miles east of Salem in the foothills of the northern Oregon Cascades. Spanning 47,000 acres, this area features a landscape composed of towering Douglas-fir and hemlock trees, diverse terrain, and natural features like waterfalls and rocky outcrops. It provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and touring cycling.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Santiam State Forest offers more than 10…
60
Routes
4.8
(87)
Average rating
1000
People visited

4.9
(65)
619
hikers
11.9km
03:19
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
12
hikers
5.87km
01:40
120m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
20.5km
05:59
620m
380m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
3.14km
00:57
10m
220m
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.5
(2)
46
riders
14.5km
01:23
240m
240m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
12.8km
01:19
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
17.2km
01:45
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

18.8km
02:01
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
runners
42.4km
05:25
940m
940m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
15.5km
02:31
950m
950m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13.1km
01:41
410m
410m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.48km
01:04
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
8.18km
00:39
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

45.6km
04:56
1,040m
1,040m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

50.3km
05:05
1,080m
1,080m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3
riders
14.6km
00:55
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Santiam State Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Touring cycling. The forest features more than 10 routes across these sports. These routes have received an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars from over 7,000 visitors.
Popular hiking areas include Shellburg Falls, where a trail passes behind a 100-foot waterfall, and the Natural Rock Arch, a 50-foot tall and 40-foot wide geologic formation. Green Basin also offers primitive hiking trails, including one leading to Rocky Top Mountain. For more options, consult the Hiking in Santiam State Forest guide.
Santiam State Forest is a hub for mountain biking, with a growing network of non-motorized trails. The Shellburg Falls Recreation Area has 6 miles of trails open to mountain bikes. Other trails like Pine Trail, Magic Trail, and Rhody Ridge Trail are also available, and e-biking is supported on some routes. Explore options in the MTB Trails in Santiam State Forest guide.
Yes, touring cyclists can find routes in Santiam State Forest. The presence of maintained gravel roads throughout the forest offers quiet and remote routes for off-pavement adventures. These roads provide a suitable environment for touring cyclists. More information is available in the Cycling in Santiam State Forest guide.
Santiam State Forest offers easy hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. These trails provide access to the forest's natural beauty without requiring extensive physical exertion. Specific easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Santiam State Forest guide.
Yes, Santiam State Forest provides family-friendly hiking options. These trails are generally less strenuous and suitable for visitors of all ages. For specific recommendations, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Santiam State Forest guide.
Santiam State Forest offers trails where dogs are permitted. It is advisable to keep dogs on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles. For specific dog-friendly routes, consult the Dog-friendly hikes in Santiam State Forest guide.
The forest is characterized by towering Douglas-fir and hemlock trees. Key natural features include waterfalls like Shellburg Falls (100 feet), Butte Creek Falls, and Stasel Falls (125 feet). The Natural Rock Arch, a massive geological formation, and tranquil Rhody Lake are also notable attractions.
Santiam State Forest is home to several waterfalls. Shellburg Falls plunges 100 feet, and Butte Creek Falls is another prominent attraction. Stasel Falls, a 125-foot tiered horsetail waterfall, is also found nearby. Discover routes to these features in the Waterfall hikes in Santiam State Forest guide.
Santiam State Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with over 7,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the forest have an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Komoot offers several guides for Santiam State Forest, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Easy hikes, Family-friendly hikes, Dog-friendly hikes, and Waterfall hikes. Guides for MTB Trails and Cycling are also available.
The official website for information regarding Santiam State Forest is oregon.gov/odf. This site provides details on forest management, regulations, and other relevant information for visitors. It serves as a primary resource for official inquiries.
The Santiam District Office can be contacted by phone. The official phone number for the office is (503) 859-2151. This number can be used for inquiries regarding the state forest.

