Opal Creek / Little North Santiam
- Road
- Gravel
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Entry fee: $5 per vehicle per day / $30 annual at Three Pools when open. Opal Creek / Little North Santiam is a creek pool on the Little North Fork Santiam River / Opal Creek in Marion County, Oregon.
Closures and warnings
Corridor closed for public safety after the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Hazard trees, unstable slopes, and burned infrastructure remain. USFS does not recommend bushwhacking into closed areas. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Creek pool |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Mild |
| Water clarity | Emerald pools on the North Fork Santiam at Three Pools when the site is open. |
Access
| Road | Gravel |
|---|---|
| Road note | Little North Fork Road to FS 2209/2207 corridor; sites remain behind Beachie Creek and Lionshead fire closure gates. |
| Parking | Three Pools and Opal Creek corridor parking closed while the fire-area order is in effect. |
| Fee | $5 per vehicle per day / $30 annual at Three Pools when open |
| Hours | Day use only; no overnight camping allowed at Three Pools when open. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Seasonal closure | Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order effective May 20, 2026 through May 20, 2027 (unless rescinded sooner). USFS plans corridor reopening no earlier than spring 2027. |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Willamette National Forest, Detroit Ranger District) |
| Note | When open, Three Pools has picnic sites and vault toilets; Opal Creek SRA has vault toilets and no potable water. |
|---|
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Opal Creek / Little North Santiam open?
Corridor closed for public safety after the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Hazard trees, unstable slopes, and burned infrastructure remain. USFS does not recommend bushwhacking into closed areas. As of September 28, 2026. Seasonal closure: Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order effective May 20, 2026 through May 20, 2027 (unless rescinded sooner). USFS plans corridor reopening no earlier than spring 2027. Hours: Day use only; no overnight camping allowed at Three Pools when open.
Can you swim at Opal Creek / Little North Santiam?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Opal Creek / Little North Santiam. A mild current is reported here.
How do you get to Opal Creek / Little North Santiam?
The road in is gravel. Little North Fork Road to FS 2209/2207 corridor; sites remain behind Beachie Creek and Lionshead fire closure gates. Parking: Three Pools and Opal Creek corridor parking closed while the fire-area order is in effect.
Do you need a reservation for Opal Creek / Little North Santiam?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Opal Creek / Little North Santiam?
The fee is $5 per vehicle per day / $30 annual at Three Pools when open.
What are the rules at Opal Creek / Little North Santiam?
Dogs are allowed and camping is not allowed.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Opal Creek / Little North Santiam is inside Willamette National Forest .
Just outside: Opal Creek Wilderness (0.9 mi) .
Sources
5
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation/three-pools-day-use-area (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / access.fee, swimmerNotes.waterType / waterClarityNote, access.hours / rules.camping / rules.dogs)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/alerts/beachie-creek-and-lionshead-fires-closure (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.seasonalClosure / hazardNote)
- https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2026/05/02/fire-damaged-opal-creek-wont-reopen-until-spring-2027/89890323007/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.seasonalClosure)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterbodyName / amenities.note)
- https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2026/09/15/agencies-consider-ideas-north-fork-opal-creek-corridor/91779910007/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.roadNote / seasonalClosure update)
More: Oregon swimming holes