Three Pools Day Use Area
Three Pools Day Use Area on the North Fork of the Santiam River is an extremely popular destination. Accessible via a short walk from parking area (fee or recreation pass required), spectacular emerald pools and several picnic sites make this one of the most visited swimming locations in Oregon. Expect to see some large crowds here on a sunny day.
Active Alerts
Reservations
No reservations. Day use only. First-come, first-serve.
General Information
Year Round
Day use only; no overnight camping allowed
A valid recreation pass can be used as payment.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
- A valid recreation pass can be used as payment.
- Download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your trip so you can pay the fee onsite with Scan and Pay.
- No cash or checks accepted on site.
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)
Address: 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342
Phone: (503) 854-3366
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.83703
Longitude: -122.31032
Directions
From Salem, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 to Mehama. At milepost 23, turn left (north) onto Little North Fork Road (next to the Oregon Department of Forestry building) and proceed for 15.3 miles to the Forest Boundary. Continue of gravel, FS Road 2209 for 1.3 miles to the intersection of FS Road 2207. Turn right and continue another 0.8 miles to Three Pools Day Use Area on the right.
Travel Considerations
Forest Service Road 2209 is not maintained for snow and ice.
Parking
The trailhead can be very crowded, especially on summer weekends. Carpool if possible. Park only in designated spots. Tightly packed cars and resulting congestion can prevent emergency vehicle access. If the parking lot reaches capacity it may be unable to accommodate you.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
