2.2 hr
Overview
During the height of the post-World War II logging heyday, the Salmon River Road was built along the lower river, bypassing several miles of the old trail that once provided sole access to the upper canyon of the Salmon River. Somehow, the old section of trail paralleling the new road survived the logging era, along with some of the best old growth forests within easy reach of Portland. The trail has since been rediscovered, and once again maintained by the Forest Service for hikers looking for an easy, streamside ramble. This easy trail is usually open all year, and is ideal for beginning hikers, kids and hikers with somewhat limited mobility. The grades are always easy, stairways climb the few hills and rustic bridges cross the string of tiny streams along the way. The Salmon River is a constant companion, and the traffic on the Salmon River Road is light enough that you'll forget that it parallels the trail. Because of the proximity to the road, there are five separate access points that serve as trailheads (see the map below). Any of these can be a starting point for your hike, and on busy weekends might be good alternatives if the first parking area is crowded. Since the hike is an up-and-back, you can start anywhere, and simply retrace your steps to complete your hike. It also makes for an excellent shuttle hike if you've got a couple cars. For the purpose of describing the access points and trail, the five parking areas are designated here as areas A-E, although you will not find those designations on the ground or in Forest Service information. If you use the alternative trailheads, simply take a good look at the spot where the trailhead spur connects to the main trail, so that you don't miss it on your return! Starting at the main, signed Old Salmon River Trailhead, designated as "Trailhead A" on the map below, the trail quickly descends into deep forest, makes a switchback at an interpretive sign, and soon traverses above a quiet stretch of the Salmon River, crossing a string of log bridges over ti
Trail Stats
8.0 km
61 m
500 m
0 m
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Photos
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OldSalmonTrailMap.jpg
OldSalmonTrailMap.jpg
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