Take The Old Salmon River Trail In Oregon For A Shady Stroll
By Catherine Armstrong|Published September 01, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest offers up some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, and it’s chock-full of recreation opportunities. From skiing and snowshoeing in the winter to fishing, camping, and hiking in the summer, the forest is a beautiful outdoor playground. If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing hike that will take you right into some of the forest’s most stunning scenery, the Old Salmon River Trail is a great choice.
You'll find the Old Salmon River Trail southeast of Welches, right off SR-26.
If you're starting from the first trailhead, the trail is 1.9 miles long, each way. It's a great hike for families and anyone who wants an outdoor experience without a lot of strenuous climbing.
The trail is almost completely flat, and it's shady and inviting, even on hot summer days. It's situated just off of the highway, but you'll feel as though you're immersed in a wooded wonderland as you hike through this old-growth forest.
You'll follow right along the banks of the Salmon River, and it's absolutely picturesque. You'll find spots along the bank where you can access the river for a quick wade, or you might want to just find a log and sit for a moment to admire the view.
Several bridges allow you to cross the river, and you'll also briefly pop up onto the highway in a few spots, since the trail is wedged between the road and the river.