New rules at Three Pools and Opal Creek enter second season in Little North Canyon

MEHEMA — It wasn’t the smoothest rollout for a new system of rules in the Little North Santiam Canyon last summer.

The U.S. Forest Service and Marion County implemented a system that limited parking and banned alcohol last May in hopes of curbing an overcrowded and chaotic scene at the emerald swimming holes east of Salem.

The results were ... mixed.

But with hot temperatures in the forecast and school about to let out, officials are gearing up for the second season of the new system.

“There was definitely a learning curve last year, in that a lot of people hadn’t gotten the message before they arrived,” said Josh Weathers, developed recreation manager for Willamette National Forest. “By the end of the season, things did start to get better and we’re hopeful things are even better this year.”

The new rules — which targeted places such as Salmon Falls, Three Pools and Opal Creek Trail — also produced some unexpected problems.

A crime ring targeted the facilities set up to collect money. They used lock cutters, crowbars and even a blowtorch to steal more than $35,000 from fee tubes across the Little North Fork and Willamette National Forest.

More: Crime ring targeted Oregon parks and campgrounds in Opal Creek, Detroit Lake area

In response, officials made changes to the fee tubes — known as iron rangers — and how often they collect money. They're also asking people to purchase a parking pass, such as a Northwest Forest Pass, in advance.

“We really want to encourage people to get a pass somewhere other than on site, if they can,” Weathers said. “The iron rangers will be there, of course, but we’d hate to have somebody pay with a check and get their identity stolen if there are more break-ins.”

Now that the high season for outdoor recreation is arriving, police are planning saturation patrols in the area to enforce the rules.

Despite the thefts, Weathers said, last summer did bring progress he hoped would continue this season.

“The parking restrictions did limit the crowds at a lot of places, and we heard from a lot of people that that did lead to a better experience,” he said. “This summer, it’s about building on that."

More: The fight that saved Opal Creek's ancient forest

Here’s a breakdown of the rules, fines and things to know in the Little North Santiam Canyon.

When to visit?

Now that hot summer days are forecast, crowds in the Little North Canyon are expected to rise. To avoid problems with parking, Weathers suggested visitors arrive at or before 11 a.m.

“Once you get past that time, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a parking spot,” he said.

Parking fees at Marion County Parks

If you park along Little North Fork Road — or at Little North Fork, Salmon Falls or Bear Creek park — you’ll have to pay $5 per day or $30 for the summer.

The $30 annual parking permits can be purchased at the parking fee stations or at the Marion County Public Works building.

The parking fees were implemented last year and went toward offsetting the cost of about 44 new parking spaces that were added. New signs direct people to river access points.

Visitors can pay, via check or cash, at eight iron rangers installed along the road and at the parks.

Limited parking and no alcohol at Three Pools

The most popular spot in the canyon is Three Pools Recreation Site, where the new rules limit parking and outlaw booze.

The number of cars allowed into the Three Pools parking is capped at 94.

People will not be allowed to park on the roads surrounding Three Pools. Illegal parking could cost you a $50 fine and the parking limit is enforced by law enforcement.

The second new rule for Three Pools is that no alcohol is allowed. The no-alcohol rule already exists at Little North Fork, Salmon Falls and Bear Creek parks. Cost of breaking the new rule is $200, plus a $35 processing fee.

A parking day-pass costs $5 while a Northwest Forest Pass is $30 and can be purchased at Detroit Ranger Station and numerous businesses, including REI.

More: 8 things to know about proposed rules for Three Pools, Opal Creek, Detroit area

More: Two deaths on Little North Santiam sparked by highest water since 2008

Opal Creek Trail limited parking

Parking is limited at the trailhead for popular Opal Creek Trail.

In the past, cars could park multiple miles down Forest Service Road 2209 from the Opal Creek Gate Trailhead. Now, they will only be allowed to park a quarter mile down the road, reducing the number of people allowed in on the busiest weekends.

Signs show where visitors can and cannot park.

No campfires on Opal Creek Trail

Another rule for Opal Creek Trail is that campfires at the many backcountry sites will no longer be allowed.

From the Opal Creek Gate Trailhead to Jawbone Flats, past Opal Pool and up Kopetski Trail, no campfires are allowed. The campfire prohibition is in place for 200 feet on both sides of the trail.

Fines for illegal campfires start at $250.

“This addresses the concern about campfires getting out of control in a narrow corridor with just one exit,” said Suzanne Cable, recreation staff officer for Willamette National Forest. “It would also help us to encourage a greater focus on day-use and responsible camping.”

Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for 10 years. He is the author of the book “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.