Frequently Asked Questions

The segment currently being proposed for development is the North Santiam River Trail between Packsaddle and Niagara Parks. The following information answers frequently asked questions about the proposed project. If you have other questions, please contact us!

Will motorized vehicles be allowed?

No. The trail will be limited to non-motorized uses. Bollards will be used at trail heads and driveway crossings to block access by motorized vehicles.

Who owns the property?

Currently, the property is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation. They are in the process of issuing a land use permit to Marion County allowing the county to conduct due-diligence, survey work, ownership research and other activities necessary to design and construct a trail on the existing rail bed. Upon the completion of survey work and title research, a lease will be issued.

Who will maintain and manage the trail?

Marion County Parks will be responsible for management and maintenance of the trail. Marion County Parks currently performs maintenance operations in all of its parks on a regular basis. This new addition to the Parks system will be maintained to the same standards as the existing parks.

Who will be responsible for construction?

This is to be determined, but some of the work will likely be accomplished through hired, licensed contractors, and some will be done by Marion County Parks staff and their assigns.

How will environmental protections be ensured during construction? The trail will be designed according to accepted guidelines and will follow all permits and regulations as set forth by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Division of State Lands, and Department of Fish and Wildlife to assure that there are no adverse environmental impacts. All construction activities will fall under Marion County’s Best Management Practices for Water Quality Guidelines as approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Will trail users be routed onto State Highway 22?

No. The intent of this trail is to provide a safe alternative to State Highway 22 by utilizing the existing state-owned rail bed property.

Who will be responsible for personal injuries and other emergencies that occur along the trail?

Injuries in any recreational setting are governed by ORS 105.672-105.700. Emergency response to any incident will occur there as anywhere by EMTs, Fire, Police/Sheriff, or some appropriate combination.

Will abutting property owners be liable for incidents that occur on their private property by trespassers?

In general, no, unless the property owner has engaged in deliberate or reckless conduct. If the property owner does allow access through their property (to the river, for example) for recreational purposes, they are immune from liability as per ORS 105.682. However, it is the intent of the proposed project to keep users on the trail, providing river access at Packsaddle and Niagara.

Conceptually, what will the trail look like?

The intent is to follow the existing railbed footprint on publicly owned property, minimizing ground disturbance. The trail will be designed to minimize conflicts between user groups and with adjacent property owners. Where possible, the trail surface will be compacted gravel, 8’ wide with 1’ shoulders. It will be approximately 11,000 linear feet in length. Public access points will be through Packsaddle Park and Niagara Park. There is one significant water crossing that will likely be spanned by a bridge. Culverts will be utilized for narrow or seasonal water crossings. Signage and existing vegetation will be used to keep users on the trail. It will be clear where the public trail is and where it is not.

How will security concerns of adjacent property owners be addressed?

Safety and security of adjacent property owners is an important issue that will be addressed in design, prior to construction. On-going feedback from adjacent property owners will also be important in monitoring the effectiveness of visual and physical controls and efforts to discourage trespass. 

Studies in similar rural areas across the country have shown that the types of crime typical of abandoned rail corridors (trespass, vandalism, loitering and littering) either stayed the same or decreased once the trails were constructed and maintained. Studies have also shown that keeping trails clean and well-maintained reduces the environment that contributes to criminal activity. The presence of other trail users helps to minimize undesirable behavior. A completed trail is different than an abandoned rail corridor. Problems attributable to an overgrown, littered, unmanaged public right-of-way can be mitigated by creating a trail that will be managed, maintained, has permitted uses and is legally guided by trail rules and regulations.

How will this project benefit the local economy?

As a stand-alone segment, this trail will provide an opportunity for park visitors to extend their stay with an additional experience not currently provided by either park. It will also provide an opportunity for visitors to spend additional time in the area. Visitors to the area frequently inquire if there is an opportunity to walk or hike without having to go off road to a distant trailhead. The additional time spent on this segment may or may not translate into significant economic benefit. However, a longer trail system, such as connecting into the Mill City trail will have clear and obvious economic benefits for local businesses. 

Will this be a stand-alone trail, or will it connect to a larger trail system?

This trail is a segment of a larger trail system proposed to span from Lyons to Idanha. As the construction costs for the entire system are prohibitive to construct the entire system at one time, the system is being constructed in phases, with each segment making a link between facilities and/or communities. In the case of this segment, the trail will connect Niagara and Packsaddle Parks.