The confluence of the Salmonberry and Nehalem Rivers is an incredibly special place, and you’ll see a couple of segments of the future Salmonberry Trail!
For two weekends in October, the Salmonberry Trail Foundation is hosting two guided hikes.
The first, on Sunday, October 4, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, will feature the Salmonberry River in the canyon. The hike will follow along the Salmonberry River to the first major landslide (roughly a mile in). The hike will highlight some of the major challenges this trail presents itself while enjoying the wildlife of spring.
The second hike, hosted on Saturday, October 10, from 10 am – 1 pm, will feature the Nehalem River Segment. The hike will follow the Nehalem River to Snark Creek (1.5 miles in) for a 3-mile total trip. Vegetation along the path in this segment is dense.
For both free guided hikes, attendees are asked to register at: mobilize.us/salmonberry-trail/. Hikes will need to dress for the weather: a rain jacket and hiking boots, as there are some slick spots. A snack and plenty of water are also recommended.
Both hikes will begin from the same location. There’s no formal address and no cell coverage in the area, so here’s the most reliable description:
·Meet at the North end of the Foss Road bridge over the Salmonberry River
·Landmarks: 15.2 miles east of Mohler, 13 miles south of Elsie. Nearest known point: Morrison Eddy Campground (the hike parking area is 1.3 miles south on Foss Road)
·Coordinates: 45°44’60.0”N, 123°39’08.9”W
·Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TrfHCtE91yVFGeQZA
How to get there:
Coming from Wheeler / Coast side:
– Take Highway 53 to Miami-Foley Road
– Follow Miami-Foley to Foss Road
– Stay on Foss Road to the bridge
As a reminder, the Salmonberry Trail is not yet open to the general public. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad operates on the active rail portion of the corridor, and storm-damaged sections are not safe for public access. Guided hikes and volunteer events are offered when access can be managed safely. The Salmonberry Trail is moving forward one section at a time. Before any part of the corridor can open to the public, it must go through the practical work of trail building: design, land-use approvals, environmental permits, bridge and trestle planning, construction funding, safety planning, and long-term maintenance partnerships.
The Salmonberry Trail Foundation is working with public agencies, local communities, volunteers, donors, technical partners, and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad to turn this historic corridor into a safe, connected public trail from Banks to the Oregon Coast.
For additional information about the Salmonberry Trail Foundation, visit: salmonberrytrail.org.
