| Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes |
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| South Santiam River Area |
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Black Butte
Directions: From Highway 126, turn north onto Indian Ford Road, then left onto Green Bridge Road (Road 11). Turn left onto gravel Road 1110 and look for the trailhead parking area.
Length: 4 miles
The Hike: The trail winds through a forest of ponderosa pines, giving you periodic views of the Cascades—Mt. Washington, Three Sisters and more. On the whole, the ascent is moderately difficult. There is a great lookout tower on top that is definitely worth seeing as well.
Sand Mountain
Directions: Take Road 866 to the Hoodoo Ski Bowl turn (Road 2690); turn south. Follow the signs leading to Big Lake and turn onto dirt Road 810. The road will end at a gate; park there.
Length: 1.25 miles
The Hike: The trail takes you up to the crater of Sand Mountain and the lookout station located just outside of it. The route is steep but the view from the station is worth it.
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| North Santiam River Area |
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Russ Lake
Directions: From Highway 22, turn north onto Forest Road 46 at the sign to Breitenbush. Travel on this for roughly 24 miles before making a right onto Road 4690. Turn right after about 8 miles onto Skyline Road, then left at the Olallie Meadows Campground. The trailhead parking lot is and the end of the campground.
Length: 1.6 miles
The Hike: The trails leads to Russ Lake, but on the way you pass outlets that can take you to (respectively) Brook Lake and Jude Lake. You may want to pack swimming or rafting gear for an afternoon at Russ Lake.
Fish Lake
Directions: From Highway 22, turn north onto Forest Road 46 at the sign to Breitenbush. Travel on this for roughly 24 miles before making a right onto Road 4690. Turn right after about 8 miles onto Skyline Road, then right at the sign to the Lower Lake Campground.
Length: 3.2 miles
The Hike: The trail winds through trees, then running along Lower Lake’s shore before proceeding to Fish Lake. You emerge from the trees to see Fish Lake and then go through a series of zig zags to get down to the waterfront.
Pamelia Lake
Directions: From Highway 22, turn east on Pamelia Road (Forest Road 2246). The trailhead is at the end of the road.
Length: 4.4 miles
The Hike: Before hiking this trail, contact the Detroit Ranger Station (US Forest Service, 610 N Santiam Hwy, Detroit, OR 97342, (503) 854-3366) to get a Wilderness Permit; it is required to be in this area. This hike is extremely popular. It runs along a little stream (which is fed by snow run-off) before landing the hiker at Pamelia Lake. The trail goes around the entire lake, giving you a number of views and photo opportunities.
Marion Lake
Directions: Take Highway 22 past Detroit; about 16 miles out of Detroit, turn left onto Road 2255. The trailhead is at the end of the road.
Length: 5.4 miles
The Hike: Before hiking this trail, contact the Detroit Ranger Station (US Forest Service, 610 N Santiam Hwy, Detroit, OR 97342, (503) 854-3366) to get a Wilderness Permit; it is required to be in this area. The trail is wide and fairly steep, going uphill until it reaches Marion Lake. On the way, you pass Moon Creek (out of sight), Lake’s Ann’s outlet creek, and Lake Ann before arriving at Marion Lake.
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