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There are over 25 miles of non-motorized trails on the Santiam State Forest. This growing trail system provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, free ride mountain biking and horseback riding. Some trails are designated single use only while other are designed for multiple uses.
As you travel these trails you will experience a wide variety of forest types, ages and elevations. Many of these trails will lead you to unique, natural features. These include several impressive waterfalls, a massive 40-foot tall natural rock arch and one of the highest points in the Cascade foothills - the 5000-foot Rocky Top peak.
Below you will find more information about specific non-motorized trails. Enjoy your experience in the Santiam State Forest!
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| Shellburg Falls Non-motorized Trail System |
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Shellburg Falls Hiking Trail
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The Shellburg Falls area offers a wide variety of non-motorized trail opportunities. Some trails are designated single use for hiking only or free ride mountain biking only while others are multi-use for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. There are over 6 miles of trail in the Shellburg Area. In addition, Lost Creek Trail allows nonmotorized users access to Buck Mountain Loop Trail in nearby Silver Falls State Park. Whether you are looking for a short jaunt or a full day’s adventure you’ll find them here.
Shellburg Falls Recreation Area brochure [PDF; 880 KB]
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| Shellburg Free Ride Mountain Bike Trails |
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Free Ride Mountain Bike Ladder Bridge
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Free ride mountain biking is a relatively new recreational activity comprising downhill mountain biking with technical trail features such as bridges and jumps.
The North Cascade District has established a partnership with the Mountain Street Dirt Crew (MSDC) free ride mountain biking club to establish free ride trails near the Shellburg Falls Recreation Area. The district and MSDC have established an adopt-a-trail agreement to design and construct free ride mountain bike trails.
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| Monument Peak Non-motorized Trail System |
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Horseback riding along Monument Peak Trails
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Just a few miles south of Gates, Oregon is the Monument Peak Trail System. Hikers, mountain bikers and horse back riders will enjoy approximately 19 miles of single track trail in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. As you travel these trails you’ll encounter diverse forests, ridge tops, meadows, waterfalls and clear streams with breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and Santiam Valley in the distance. These trails are excellent for a quick hike or a full day trek.
Santiam Horse Camp and Monument Peak Trail System [PDF; 910 KB]
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| Butte Creek Falls Trail |
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View from the Butte Creek Falls Trail
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The Butte Creek Falls Trail is for hiking only. This 1.5 mile, moderately, difficult trail winds its way through a diverse forest stand of 100 year old Douglas-fir and hemlock trees, towering above a variety of unique stream-side vegetation. The highlight of the Butte Creek Falls Trail is the spectacular view of two waterfalls - Upper and Lower Butte Creek Falls.
Butte Creek Falls Trail brochure [PDF; 246 KB]
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| High Lakes Trail |
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A view from High Lakes Trail
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The High Lakes Recreation Area offers visitors a unique experience. Rhody and the Butte Lakes are small high elevation lakes (around 3000 feet) nestled among pine and fir trees. Their cool, clear waters reflecting the sky are home for many types of unique plants and wildlife, and are a great place for a family to enjoy a quiet camping trip, a hike, or an afternoon of fishing.
High Lakes Recreation Area brochure [PDF; 241 KB]
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| Natural Rock Arch and Rocky Top Trails |
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Rock Arch towers above a visitor
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The trail to the arch is steep and rough, but the view is well worth it. Currently this trail is being redesigned to improve its access and safety.
This unique natural formation was found during the great Sardine Creek fire of 1951. The arch stands 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide.
The summit of Rocky Top was once the site of an old lookout tower. The tower was built during the 1920’s and was used by foresters to spot fires. After a short (1/2 mile) but difficult hike, the summit offers fantastic views of the Santiam Canyon.
Natural Rock Arch and Rocky Top Lookout brochure [PDF; 314 KB]
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| Other Recreation Activities on the Santiam State Forest |
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Click on any of the following links to learn more about other recreation activties available on the Santiam State Forest.
Back to the Santiam State Forest main Recreation web page
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| Learn more . . . |
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To find out more about recreation activities on the Santiam State Forest, contact:
North Cascade District - Santiam Unit
Oregon Department of Forestry
22965 North Fork Road
Lyons, OR 97358
PH: 503-859-2151
FAX: 503-859-2158
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