Head east from Salem along Highway 22, and you’ll start ascending through the foothills of the Cascade Range as you head into the heart of the rugged mountain range. Trees begin to grow taller—and closer together. The road twists and turns along the crystal-clear Santiam River.
As you continue eastward, it becomes impossible not to notice the damage wrought by the Beachie Creek wildfire, which in 2020 burned nearly 200,000 acres across the Santiam Canyon—including the community of Detroit at the northern edge of Detroit Lake.
But even as Detroit remains scarred by the wildfire, and as recovery continues today, the community has come together to welcome visitors with overnight stays, outdoor activities, and more. Support this community and its ongoing recovery on your next trip with this guide to a summertime getaway in the Santiam Canyon.
Detroit Lake / Photo by Caleb Wallace
Get on the Santiam River for whitewater thrills with eNRG Kayaking, which offers two rafting trips through the forested Santiam River canyon.
The local outfitter’s half-day Scenic Float is the more mellow of the two outings; the family-friendly excursion lasts about 2.5 hours, covers six miles, and passes through class I-II rapids. If you're up for more adventure, eNRG's Whitewater Rafting adventure tackles fast-moving class II and class III rapids—where an experienced guide will help you navigate quick drops and challenging eddies.
If you’re coming to Detroit Lake and the Santiam Canyon, chances are good you’ll want to experience the area’s natural beauty. Here’s how to get started—no matter your appetite for outdoor adventure.
Perhaps the most popular activity on the nine-mile-long Detroit Lake is boating—where motorized boats take visitors to the furthest reaches of Detroit Lake and people-powered watercraft rentals provide a quiet experience. Between May and late August or early September, rent spacious pontoons, ski boats, fishing boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes at Detroit Lake Marina near where the Breitenbush River flows into Detroit Lake.
Looking to stretch your legs with a hike that offers high-up views of Detroit Lake? Make the trek up Stahlman Point near the southern shore of the reservoir. The hike measures 4.2 miles round-trip, boasts nearly 1,350 feet of elevation gain, and heads through a forest of Douglas fir before arriving at the mountain's summit. There, you'll enjoy views of Detroit Lake's Piety Island, the North Santiam River, and nearby Mount Jefferson.
In the northeast corner of Detroit Lake sits Detroit Flats Day Use Area—a cozy, lakeside picnic site. Highlights include on-site gravel trails through the recovering forest, access to the shores of Detroit Lake, a handful of picnic tables for enjoying lunch, and interpretive panels that cover Detroit's history and the lake's ecology. If you brought your watercraft, it’s also possible to push your kayak onto the water from Detroit Flats.
Roughly an hour south of Detroit Lake by way of Highways 20 and 22, the Old Cascade Crest hosts a series of mountain bike trails across several extinct volcanoes and lava flows that date back millions of years.
Grab your bike or consult with an outfitter—and take your pick of trails that traverse historic wagon roads, offer sweeping views of Mount Jefferson, and pass through meadows covered in colorful wildflowers. Our guide to mountain bike trails in Oregon’s Old Cascade Crest breaks down the different experiences you’ll enjoy, when to ride, and how to plan the perfect adventure.
Wherever you stay around Detroit Lake, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cascade Range—verdant forests, mountain peaks, and crystal-clear waters.
On the forested north shore of its namesake reservoir, Detroit Lake State Recreation Area hosts a variety of overnight stays. Choose among cozy cabins (open October-April) and nearly 275 year-round tent and RV sites—many of which come with electrical and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, firewood sales, lakeside walking paths, and a few summertime docks for fishing and boating.
Nourish your body and mind with an overnight stay at Breitenbush Hot Springs, which sits about 11 miles northeast of Detroit. Bring your own tent—or cozy up inside yurts, well-appointed glamping tents, and lodge or hotel rooms. Recharge in three natural soaking pools or four spiral tubs that vary in temperature. The resort is family-friendly, but the soaking pools are all clothing-optional.
Five miles northeast of Detroit, the quiet Humbug Campground sits along the Breitenbush River and is surrounded by a mix of old-growth Douglas fir and vine maple. Most of the campground’s 22 and RV sites were spared in the 2020 wildfires, leaving behind a lush overnight stay with drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms. Between May and July, rhododendron blooms blanket the park in vibrant hues of pink and purple.
A little planning can go a long way when visiting Detroit Lake and the Santiam Canyon. Here are a few tips for having a fun, safe outing.
Plan ahead: Some trails, parks, campgrounds, and other destinations remain closed while crews work between spring and fall to remove trees and ensure safety for future visitors. Check with the Willamette National Forest (online or by phone at 503-854-3366), Oregon State Parks, or Marion County Parks to see about the status of your preferred destination(s)—and to get recommendations for alternatives in case of closures.
Avoid peak times: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays see the biggest crowds, usually around midday. If possible, plan your visit for another day of the week—or enjoy a quieter experience if you can arrive at your destination by 9 or 10 a.m. (or after 3 p.m.) on weekends. The relative solitude will give you better opportunities to spy wildlife and catch an epic sunrise or sunset.
Consider a post-Labor Day visit: Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and smaller crowds make the Santiam Canyon and Detroit Lake area an ideal destination after Labor Day. The Willamette Valley's fall rains don't usually arrive until later in September or mid-October, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the region in relative solitude.
Be respectful: Damage to the Detroit Lake area was extensive; numerous businesses and homes burned down, and the rebuilding process will take years. So while we understand the impulse to see that damage up close, please refrain from entering neighborhoods and taking photographs while families and business-owners work to rebuild their homes and communities.
