These beautiful parks near Salem open May 1
A collection of parks managed by Marion County will open on May 1.
Two parks that would normally open — North Fork and Salmon Falls — will open on June 1 this year to allow completion of parking lot enlargement and cleaning up downed trees.
Here's a quick breakdown of parks opening.
Bear Creek Park
This park is a 15-acre campground in the Little North Santiam Canyon off North Fork Road. The park has 15 first-come, first-served camp sites and costs $14 per night with a 14-night maximum stay. Each of the camping sites has picnic tables and fire pits and accommodates one vehicle. A $5 fee applies to each additional vehicle. Campsite check-in is 4 p.m., and checkout is 1 p.m. on the day of departure. The day-use portion of the park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bear Creek Park also provides day-use access to the Little North Fork Santiam River.
Aumsville Ponds
The 77-acre park, composed of wetlands and upland buffer within the Mill Creek Watershed, is highlighted by a 0.75-mile trail and fishing opportunities.
The trial was completed in 2007 after the Northwest Youth Core helped install bridges across the surrounding creeks. Red-legged frogs call the area home, along with numerous birds and wildlife. Dogs are not allowed.
Directions: About a 22-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, following Highway 22 east to exit 9 toward Aumsville. Follow First Street south, turn left onto Mill Creek Road and turn right onto Bishop Road SE. The park is on the right.
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Minto Park
This often-overlooked park of 73 acres features a longer-than-expected collection of trails that lead to hidden spots along the North Santiam River.
A gravel access road leads to a nice picnic spot and view of the river, but stop at one of the multiple trailheads to wonder through dense riparian forest in search of river access where spawning salmon can be found in autumn.
The park is most popular with anglers.
Directions: About a 30-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 35 miles. Turn right at a sign for Minto Park onto a gravel access road.
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Niagara Park
Dense forest and the canyon scenery of the North Santiam River highlights this beautiful 29-acre park just off Highway 22.
Short trails, interpretative signs and views of the river make this a popular place for road-weary travelers to stop.
Picnic tables, trails, a restroom and drinking fountain are found at the park.
Directions: About a 30-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 38 miles. Turn right at a sign for Niagara Park.
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Spongs Landing
Highlighted by a picnic area on the Willamette River, a trail through riparian forest and a large open space for whatever the imagination concocts, Spongs Landing is an underrated park north of Keizer.
The most popular spot is the Coho Picnic Area, which sits along the banks of the river and features a beach popular with anglers. Playground equipment, two covered picnic shelters and horseshoe pits round out the 61-acre destination.
Directions: About a 20-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, take Liberty Road to North River Road. Turn left on Chemawa Road for 0.7 miles and turn right on Windsor Island Road for 1.3 miles. Turn left on Naples Street, and follow the pointer onto 22nd Avenue to park.
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Scotts Mills
Located along Butte Creek northeast of Silverton, the 13-acre park is a much-loved destination with a swimming hole below a small waterfall.
Picnic tables, playground equipment installed last year and fishing also are popular pastimes.
Directions: About a 40-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 213 to Silverton. Continue on Highway 213 past Silverton five miles, and turn right onto Mt. Angel Scotts Mills Road NE for 2.3 miles into the small town. Stay right on Crooked Finger Road to the park on the left.