Cascadia

Cascadia State Park is a peaceful riverside park in the western Cascade foothills along the South Santiam River. The park is known for its historic significance as a former mineral springs resort and for the naturally carbonated Soda Creek that bubbles up near the river. The beautiful forested setting and swimming holes make it a popular summer destination for families.

The park's riverside and forest habitats support diverse wildlife. The South Santiam River hosts native fish including salmon and steelhead. American dippers bob in the river while kingfishers hunt from overhanging branches. Black-tailed deer are common, and black bears occasionally pass through. The forest hosts various woodpeckers and songbirds.

The park features beautiful second-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar forest. Bigleaf maple and red alder grow along the river. The lush understory includes sword fern, Oregon grape, and vine maple. Moss and lichens cover rocks and tree branches. Wildflowers bloom in spring clearings.

The park lies at the western edge of the Cascade Range, where the mountains meet the Willamette Valley. The South Santiam River has carved its valley through volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The famous Soda Creek derives its carbonation from volcanic carbon dioxide rising through mineral-bearing rocks. The river features bedrock pools and gravel bars.

Cascadia experiences a temperate climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Summer temperatures typically reach the 70s-80s°F, ideal for river activities. Winter temperatures range from the 30s to 50s°F with substantial rainfall. Annual precipitation averages about 60 inches.

The South Santiam area was used by the Kalapuya and Molalla peoples for hunting, gathering, and seasonal camps. The mineral springs attracted Euro-American visitors in the late 1800s, and a resort was developed. The soda springs were believed to have medicinal properties. The resort operated until the mid-20th century.

Oregon State Parks acquired the former resort property to preserve public access to the river and historic springs. The park has been developed for camping and day-use while maintaining the peaceful character that attracted visitors to the original resort. Historic structures and the soda springs remain as reminders of the site's past.

The bubbling Soda Creek is a unique natural attraction where carbonated water rises from underground. The South Santiam River provides excellent swimming holes during summer. Short trails wind through the forest and along the river. Fishing is popular during salmon and steelhead seasons.

The park offers 25 primitive campsites and a day-use picnic area. Facilities include vault toilets and river access. Located on Highway 20 about 14 miles east of Sweet Home. The park is open for camping seasonally, typically May through September, with day use available year-round.

Oregon State Parks manages Cascadia to protect the riparian habitat and the unique soda springs. The river provides important habitat for native fish, and visitors are encouraged to protect water quality. The historic character of the former resort is preserved where possible. The park offers an example of natural mineral springs in a protected setting.