The Bridge at Mill City Falls
North Santiam River-
Your visit to the Santiam Canyon simply must include a quick stop for a selfie on the historic Railroad Bridge or the Bridge at Mill City Falls! It’s a beautiful backdrop for your memories to tuck into your photo album. The North Santiam River has a rich history of recreation, fishing, kayaking, and an excellent escape for “water-dogs” of all ages. Experienced kayakers can begin at Packsaddle Park, and anxiously paddle through the challenges of the Line Hole, Spencer’s Hole, requiring skills and experience to navigate over the correct side of Mill City Falls. Novices…there is a “right” and wrong way to go over the falls. The Santiam River can be unpredictable hiding several dangerous locations with serious undertow currents. For a lighter-side float, it is recommended to put in at the Mill City Bridge and out at Fisherman’s Bend Campground, or North Santiam State Park. For a longer float, some folks take out at the Lyons Bridge. Please do your research on this river and the obstacles she provides before jumping in.
Life jackets and helmets are highly recommended for all skill levels.
Gates Oregon –
First settled in 1882, but not incorporated until 1950, the City of Gates straddles the North Santiam River in both Marion and Linn Counties.
What to Do:
eNRG Kayaking
Packsaddle Park
Minto Park – Recently opened!
Niagara Park- Currently closed from the 2020 Fires
Rocky Top Hike-
Big Cliff Dam- Fishing and Kayaking
Detroit Lake- Fishing
Santiam Horse Camp- Riding
Where to Stay:
Check out VRBO or AirBNB for places to stay.
What to Eat:
Sierra Mexican Restaurant & Sierra Market Deli
Canyon Espresso- Grab a cup of Joe for the road
The Hwy 22 Canteen – a Burger Truck- Closed for the Winter
Hammond Park, Mill City, Oregon
Mill City Oregon –
This timber town was once home to several lumber mills, including the Santiam Lumber Company and Hammond Lumber Company were among Its largest employers. Currently, only two operating mills remain; Frank Lumber Company and Freres Wood.
A Little Bit of History
“If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it.” That was the motto of Stewart’s Grocery Store, a cornerstone of Mill City, smartly situated in the heart of town. On any given day, it wasn’t unusual to see a line of idling log trucks parked out front as drivers stopped in for supplies or a friendly chat.
Stepping inside, you were immediately greeted by Marie’s warm smile. Beneath your feet, the well-worn fir floors told a story of their own—thousands of tiny indentations left behind by years of cork boots treading across the planks. In the back, Charley could usually be found butchering meat or handing out paychecks in ten-dollar bills. More than just shopkeepers, Charley and Marie were pillars of the community, quietly helping families through tough times when work was scarce and money was tight. During one particularly hard winter, a friend once joked that if his dad didn’t get back to work soon, they’d be boiling tennis shoes for dinner.
Though Stewart’s Grocery Store has long since closed, its legacy lives on. The building, now known as Stewart Hall, is home to KYAK 94.6 FM Radio Station and serves as a gathering place for concerts, community events, and meetings, with the Mill City Odd Fellows #144 occupying the second floor.
In the late 1980s, Mill City found itself at the center of a national debate when the timber industry took a hit due to the Spotted Owl controversy. The clash between conservation efforts and timber sales reshaped the local economy, marking the end of an era for many in the community.
Yet, through all the changes, the spirit of Mill City remains—rooted in resilience, hard work, and the enduring memories of places like Stewart’s Grocery Store.
What to Do:
Hammond Park – Great place to put in the Santiam for a leisurely and picturesque float down the river
Mill City Falls Park– Currently under construction with a generous grant
Kimmel Park– Home and starting place of the annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
North Santiam Historical Society and Canyon Life Museum– Tours available by appointment
Where to Eat:
Giovanni’s Mountain Pizza – Locals and travellers alike love their Pizza and famous Breadsticks
Eddie’s Phillies- Burgers, Tacos and Philly Cheesesteak
The Get-A-Way– New to the Canyon but already a favorite for delicious burgers and thick ice cream shakes.
Mill City Grill – Restaurant and Bar
The Mill House – Coming in 2025
Subway-All your favorites
Where to Shop and Fuel:
Mill City Marketplace– Quick stop for Hot Deli Food and Snacks
Rex Images – For local Souvenirs
Santiam Sports Store – Liquor and 76 Gas Station – Snacks, tackle and beverages
Dollar General – A little bit of everythinge
US Bank – Check out the spoiled bank cat in the lobby. He’s happy and well fed
Seven Eleven – Snacks and Beverages
Mill City Mobil Station
Electric Vehicle-Where to Charge:
Hwy 22 next to Mill City Laundromat and West of Dollar General
Mill City Falls Park across the street from the North Santiam Historical Society and Canyon Life Museum- 125 & 143 NE Wall St., Mill City
Where to Stay:
Where to Heal:
Santiam Medical Clinic Open Monday – Friday 9:00-5:00 weekly
North Santiam State Park
Lyons, Oregon-
Approximately 22 miles East of Salem on North Santiam Highway 22, it’s a quick trip to reach the incredible North Fork Recreation Area. Picnicking, hiking, biking, and swimming are just a few of the enjoyable activities available. This area is in recovery from the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire… Please be kind and treat it respectfully
What to Do: Some of these areas are still closed.
North Fork County Park
Bear Creek County Park
Three Pools Day Use Area
Where to Eat:
Gingerbread House Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dragon Chinese Kitchen Dinner
Your Country Kitchen Breakfast and Lunch
The Red Barn Tavern Lunch and Dinner
Where to Shop:
Mehama Ace Hardware Tools, Paint, Coolers, and Hardware products
The Corner Market – Snacks and beverages
Lyons Market
Where to Fuel: Pratum Co-op Energy – Mehama – Corner of Hwys 22 and 226
