Marion County boasts a wide array of picnicking spots. Salem and Keizer, the population centers in the county, offer many parks, but people may not be familiar with some of the other great options for a picnic throughout the county, from older urban parks in neighboring towns to the network of rural Marion County Parks. Here is a local’s guide on where to picnic in Marion County.
Urban Picnicking Near Salem
Coolidge McClaine Park
300 Coolidge Street, Silverton
Coolidge McClaine Park is a vast, old, shady park along Silver Creek in Silverton. This can be a great choice if you need a picnic area to reserve. There are eight different picnic areas throughout the park. Some are close to the play structures, while others offer grills or creek access. Located adjacent to the Silverton downtown, Coolidge McClaine Park stays cool even in the summer because of its tree cover.
Legion Park
1385 Park Avenue, Woodburn
Woodburn’s oldest park, Legion Park, includes a grove of Douglas fir trees, making it shady and comfortable even during the summer. In addition to the picnic shelter and other picnic tables scattered throughout the park, there is a full-size soccer field that gets a lot of use. For kids, there’s a fantastic nature play area with an archaeology theme. At 16 acres, it’s large enough to make room for most picnickers, even at busy times.
Pioneer Park
450 N. Seventh Avenue, Stayton
Pioneer Park in Stayton is a popular park perfect for picnics. Known for the covered Jordan Bridge located inside the park, it’s also home to a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, and a playground. There are large grassy areas of the park interspersed with groves of trees. If you’re passing through Stayton, this park is a must-see!
Marion County Parks
Marion County has an extensive network of county parks and many great sites for picnicking. During the summer, these parks are open from sunrise to sunset for day use, though many also double as campgrounds for those who are interested in staying longer. Summer also means a $5-day use fee for this network of parks. Those who have visited county parks in the past should be aware that some of the parks are still closed due to wildfire damage from the 2020 Labor Day fires.
Bear Creek Park
29555 N Fork Road, Lyons
Located on the Santiam River, Bear Creek Park and Campground, as the name suggests, is a place for both camping and day use. For those looking to fish and swim in the beautiful Santiam, Bear Creek is a great destination. A series of trails lead down to the river and the swimming area, and those wanting to fish have various entry points to the river.
North Fork Park
24450 North Fork Road SE, Mehama
North Fork Park, like Bear Creek, is another park with excellent swimming and picnicking along the Santiam River. The most popular of the Marion County parks, people flock to North Fork because it’s only 30 minutes from Salem and also boasts a sandy beach.
Scotts Mills County Park
475 Crooked Finger Road, Scotts Mills
Scotts Mills Park is a consistently popular day-use park featuring a waterfall, swimming hole, playground, and picnicking. It’s also good for fishing.
Eola Bend Park
2895 Faragate Avenue S, Salem
Located within the city limits of Salem, Eola Bend Park is perfect for wildlife viewing. The park is a 60-acre restoration of a site that had been degraded cropland. A couple of decades ago, volunteers helped to plant 45,000 native shrubs and trees to help move the site toward healing. Visitors can now see eagles, osprey, herons, other various waterfowl and mammals. There are interpretive signs throughout the park and some picnic tables to help visitors stay longer and enjoy this peaceful spot.
State Recreation Areas
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
Created in 1953, when the Detroit Dam was built, Detroit Lake is named after the town that was flooded with the dam’s construction. The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is located on the banks of this nine-mile-long lake. With camping, water sports, fishing, and basketball and volleyball courts, it’s also a fantastic picnic location with outstanding views of the Cascade Mountains.
For many of us, picnics take place while doing other outside activities, from hiking to fishing. Yet a picnic in and of itself can be a great excuse to get out in nature for a shorter period. Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot as part of a more extensive day of activities or a short break on a trip from one location to another, Marion County has an incredible array of picnicking choices.
