Imagine a network of non-motorized trails linking the canyon communities and recreation facilities. That is the long-term vision known as Canyon Journeys.

Below is a general summary of the project. To view the complete feasibility study, click here.

OVERVIEW

The North Santiam Canyon is a place rich in natural features, recreational opportunities and cultural resources set against the scenic backdrop of the North Santiam River, Little North Santiam River and Detroit Lake. Beginning just 30 miles east of the City of Salem, the Canyon has attracted people for many years, some to visit and others to stay. The concept of a canyon-wide trail system to provide a safer non-motorized travel alternative to State Highway 22 has been explored many times over the last several years. As envisioned, the trail would connect the Canyon’s communities to each other and with the area’s outstanding natural, recreational and cultural features. Interest in this trail system, which is now called the Canyon Journeys trail system, has been kept alive by the project's potential to improve community quality of life, increase recreation and heritage opportunities, and promote economic growth and diversity.

THE CANYON JOURNEYS GOALS

In the summer of 2003, the North Santiam Canyon Economic Development Corporation (NSCEDC) commissioned J.T. Atkins & Company PC to conduct this feasibility study for establishing such a trail system. In doing so, the NSCEDC’s goals for the project were to stimulate tourism, improve quality of life, boost economic productivity, and provide a safer non-motorized travel alternative to State Highway 22 for both residents and visitors.

THE CANYON JOURNEYS VISION

The Canyon Journeys trail system will provide Canyon residents and visitors with opportunities to access many Canyon resources.  Embracing the economic, social, and environmental benefits, the vision of this trail system is to:

¨ provide a safe link among communities and recreation facilities as an alternative to using Highway 22

¨ provide guided management of scenic qualities and recreation opportunities, benefiting the local economy

¨ improve the quality of life for residents of the Canyon, making the region more attractive to both businesses and skilled workers

¨ preserve historical and cultural heritage of the abandoned railroad grade, providing an opportunity for interpretation

¨ offer opportunities for ecological interpretation

¨ encourage opportunities to pursue healthy lifestyles

¨ facilitate and better manage access points to the North Santiam River, preventing riverside erosion and littering, particularly in areas where the abandoned railroad grade receives frequent use

¨ offer year-around activity for the visitor industry, extending the seasonal economic benefits to the local communities

¨ provide for a variety of non-motorized uses (pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle, etc.)

• COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC INPUT

The NSCEDC staff assembled a group of Canyon community members to serve as an advisory team for this study. Input was also sought from interested parties by interviewing over 30 people who might be directly affected by the trail system or who play a leadership role in their community. These “stakeholders” provided a wealth of information and guidance for the project. In addition, two meetings with neighborhood representatives and two public open houses were held in November 2003 and October 2004 to provide and gather information about potential opportunities and concerns associated with the project.

 

PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM

Once fully developed, the Canyon Journeys Alternative Transportation Link trail system (Canyon Journeys) will consist of a system of biking, hiking and equestrian trails that connect communities in the Highway 22 corridor and offer recreation and education opportunities for Canyon residents and visitors. The proposed trail system provides a continuous trail from Lyons to Idanha. The system will use a range of alignments to achieve these non-motorized community connections including improved shared-use paved road shoulders, logging roads and the state owned rail bed. The non-motorized trail on the state-owned rail bed between Mill City and the Big Cliff Dam will be at the heart of the system. The Canyon Journeys Trail System will have three main components:

Canyon Connector trail segments will provide a safer, non-motorized transportation alternative to traveling State Highway 22 in the Canyon. The trail system will use the state owned rail bed and adequate shared-use paved road shoulders to connect Canyon communities with each other and with local attractions including scenic overlooks, parks, historic sites, and businesses.

Community Trails will use trails, sidewalks, pathways, and adequate shared-use paved road shoulders to create a trail network within each Canyon community. They will also link with the Canyon Connector trails and connect parks, schools, churches and with other key locations within each of the Canyon communities.

Canyon Hubs present opportunities to create recreational focal points or specialized facilities for non-motorized uses such as mountain biking, hiking, boating, and equestrian activities. These trails and facilities will help attract visitors to the Canyon communities, boosting local economies.

CANYON CONNECTORS TRAIL SYSTEM ACTION PLAN

The planning process has identified a development phasing hierarchy for the eighteen trail segments that make up the Canyon Connectors Trail System. Thirteen of these are on the state owned rail bed corridor. Canyon Connectors Trail segment development priorities were established based on ease of implementation, required infrastructure, environmental concerns, community and landowner support and funding opportunities. Priorities for the Community Trails and Canyon Hub projects will most likely be determined by similar factors, but will include additional considerations identified by communities and recreation related use groups.

ACTION PLAN

The following actions are recommended:

• Continue developing a management structure for the Canyon Journeys Trail System.
• Consider further prioritizing the development sequence of first-priority projects.
• Seek funds and partners for the design and development of the first- and next-priority trail sections.
• Continue to involve the public and adjacent property owners in the trail design and construction process.
• Continue to work with the individual adjacent property owners who oppose trail sections within their area.

• Continue to work with state and county agencies to include improved shared-use paved shoulders in their road improvement plans:

• To download a copy of the full plan, click here here.