Three Pools

Three Pools on the North Fork of the Santiam River is among the best swimming and cliff-jumping locations in Oregon.  The unique combination of basalt outcroppings and emerald pools have helped to establish Three Pools as a favorite summer getaway.  You will almost certainly see some crowds here on a sunny day, but the area is large enough to provide a little space for anyone who looks.

Options are limited if you would like to stay overnight in the area.  Shady Cove Campground has 12 campsites, there are campsites along NF-2207, and there are campsites surrounding the Three Pools day-use area.  These latter sites fill up quickly, so a Thursday or Friday arrival for a weekend stay may be in order.

Note: Significant crowding, vandalism, and disruptive behavior have resulted in several new regulations. The implementation of these regulations follows an extensive public comment period. Effective May 26, 2017:

• Cars will be turned away once the 90-space parking lot for Three Pools is full, and parking will no longer be allowed outside of the parking lot.
• Significantly, alcohol is now prohibited at the Three Pools Recreation Site.
• Campfires are now prohibited along the route from the Opal Creek Gate Trailhead to Jawbone Flats. Parking will only be allowed within a quarter mile of the trailhead.
• Camping is prohibited for 5 miles up Road 46 along the Breitenbush River 500 feet from the roadway.
• Camping is prohibited at Elk Lake outside of the official Elk Lake Campground.
• Dispersed camping is prohibited for the first 2 miles up French Creek Road and 8 miles on Blowout Creek Road.