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Over 9 feet in diameter and well over 200-feet tall stands a giant Douglas fir along the banks of the North Fork Santiam River. In fact, a vulnerable and magnificent ecosystem of old-growth temperate forest runs along this stretch of the river that is parallel with Oregon Highway 22. Stands of enormous western red cedar, western hemlock and Douglas fir loom over this little roadside/riverside camping spot. This ad hoc, unofficial 'campground' only has a few sites, is just off the highway, and offers no amenities, but if you're looking for a place to rest somewhere between Salem and Sisters, pull over, spend the night, and allow yourself to be shaded by the protective giants.
*Coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are the second tallest species of conifer in the world and the third tallest species of all trees. The coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) of northern California are the tallest tree species, and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans), a flowering tree in southeast Australia is the second tallest.
Logistics + Planning
Preferable season(s)
Summer
Fall
Parking Pass
NW Forest Pass
Pros
Pristine old-growth forest. Next to Santiam River.
Cons
Next to OR-22. Campsites are heavily shaded and often damp.
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