Recreation Region: Sweet Home Ranger District

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.

General Information

For trail information see:

Old Cascade Crest Trail Area
Middle Santiam Trail Area
Tombstone Pass Trail Area

Wilderness.net

Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.

Wilderness Self-Issue Permit required for both day use and overnight stays from June 15 through October 15. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
Some trailheads require a recreation pass.

Check our Recreation Passes & Permits page for details

Wilderness Rules & Regulations
Find out about the Weed Free Feed Requirement and other good Know Before You Go tips

Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)

A sign that says "sweet home ranger station willamette national forest" in front of a wood building

Address: 4431 Highway 20 Sweet Home, OR 97386
Phone: (541) 367-5168
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov

Getting There

Elevation

5022 feet

Directions

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.