Salmon River from Linney Creek Hike

Overview

The Linney Creek approach to the central section of the Salmon River is for intrepid drivers who don’t care about the pristine paint jobs on their vehicles and for those prepared to ford a river (bring poles for support and water shoes). However, it allows you to experience a little visited part of the Salmon River Canyon without doing too long a hike. Unfortunately, other than the mandatory ford where the Linney Creek Trail crosses the Salmon River (only possible after mid-summer), you won’t see much of the river itself. The trail follows high above it to reach lovely Kinzel Creek, a worthy turnaround point. Intrepid waterfall hunters may like to use this approach to visit Stein Falls and Split Falls, both deep in the Salmon River Canyon (see some of the Trip Reports below). The Linney Creek Trail leads into the woods from the end of the parking area. (Another short trail heads down to the old Linney Creek Campground on Draw Creek.) Tall Douglas-firs, hemlocks, and cedars form a canopy over the rhododendron understory. In short order, you’ll pass the boundary of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Then there are views down the steep slope to Linney Creek, just below its confluence with Draw Creek, as it tumbles vigorously in a series of cascades. The trail turns to the right above the confluence of Linney Creek and the Salmon River and comes to a junction. The trail leading left and down reaches a large campsite. You’ll need to keep right and rise a little through the Oregon grape before dropping to a rocky bench on the Salmon River. (There was once a bridge here, but it has been missing for decades.) Stink currant and highbush cranberry overhang the river bank, and you’ll probably see a dipper or two bobbing on the rocks. There’s a great swimming hole at the campsite as well. To ford the river (usually only possible in August and September), follow the rocks as far as you can and then angle across the river to the campsite on the opposite bank (see Tips for Crossing Streams). Stash your water shoes near t

Trail Stats

Photos

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