Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
100.00 ft (30.48 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.20 mi (8.37 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Of all of the old-growth forests here in Oregon, few rival the majesty and health of the forest surrounding the Old Salmon River Trail.  The Douglas firs and western red cedars in this forest must be among the tallest in the state.  The moss-filled forest is accessible year round, as well.  We love this hike, and you can extend it by continuing onto the Salmon River Canyon Trail.  The Green Canyon Campground provides options for designated campsites, but the trail also boasts more than 15 backcountry campsites for those who prefer to hike in.  Check our map to find the best option for you.

Attention!: The Forest Service is considering closing the Salmon River to all camping outside the Green Canyon Campground due to excessive tree damage, trampled plants, and the high volume of garbage, human waste, and toilet paper left at the backcountry campsites.  They simply do not have the budget to maintain the area given these challenges.  If you want to continue to camp alongside the river, pack out all garbage and toilet paper and dispose of it properly, bury your feces six inches down and more than 100 feet from river, bring your own firewood and stay on established paths.  Using the area responsibly will increase the chance that visitors will be allowed to continue enjoying the land.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Preserved old-growth forest. Great winter hike.

Cons

Trail can get soggy. No vistas.

Trailhead Elevation

1,460.00 ft (445.01 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Old-growth forest
Fishing

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area
Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area, Oregon
Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area
Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area
Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area

Comments

06/25/2017
Rum news. Just spent the weekend at the Green Canyon Campground, and there are now No Camping notices posted in the backcountry sites along the Old Salmon River Trail (#742A). All camping within .25 miles of Salmon River Road is verboten (except for Green Canyon) through April, 2019.
08/07/2015
The Milky Way
11/24/2013
Nice walk. Had to ford a small stream and climb over a big fallen tree. Very crowded trail.
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