Make sure you actually know how to swim before you hit the Santiam. Despite the gentle appearance of Santiam swimming holes, there are often rapids just downstream. A little searching goes a long way in the wild world of swimming, and if skinny dippin's your bag, you can surely find a place to get naked on the beautiful banks of the Little North Santiam. For easy access, check out Salmon Falls or North Fork Park, just a quick jaunt down the trail from the parking lot. Danger: 6. Take I-5 south to exit 253. Turn left onto Highway 22. After milepost 23 past Mehama, turn left at the sign for Santiam River Recreation Area. The road follows the Little North Santiam River.