Gates, OR

Discover the Cascade Foothills Saturday Faire

Touted to be an "Art's and Craft's festival, the Cascade Foothills Saturday Faire is new to the Santiam Canyon this year, courtesy of the North Santiam Economic Development Committee. Opening ceremonies begin on July 11th across from the Oak Park Motel in Gates. It will be held the first Saturday of the month until October. Craftsmen, food vendors, musicians and all types of artisans are encouraged to participate. For applications or for more information please call Phyllis Scott at 503-897-3290 or visit www.CascadeFoothillsFaire.org .

Packsaddle Park is popular with local fisherman as a place to launch driftboats and kayaks. Located in Marion County just a few miles East of Gates, Packsaddle offers the last Eastern place to launch a boat before the ODFW fish ladders. Launching your boat from here is not advised if you are a novice on the Santiam River. Knowledge and skill are needed to navigate through the Lyon Hole above the Maples Rest Area or Spencer's hole between Gates and Mill City. Other launch sites are located at Kimmel Park, Mill City Bridge, Fisherman's Bend, North Santiam State Park, John Neal Park and the bridge in the City of Lyons. Both John Neal Park and the bridge in Lyons are in Linn County. Whether you are a floating the river for recreation or out to catch your limit of fish, Packsaddle Park is a great place to check out.

• ADA Accessible: Restroom, drinking fountain and picnic tables
• Historical site
• Fire Pits
• Picnic tables
• 60 acres

The Niagara Park area has a colorful history in the Santiam Canyon. According to the historical marker on site; "the area acquired its name in September 1890 when a town site was platted to be followed by the establishment of a post office in October of that year. In the late 1890's a rubble masonry Dam was started to develop power for a mill designed to make paper from straw. "

"At stages in the river flow surged through a cleft 4'3" wide. Difficulties in constructing the Dam caused the paper mill project to be abandoned. Hydroelectric development continued at intervals but floods and erosions caused the project to be abandoned in 1912 after approximately $100,000 had been spent." About this time, large numbers of Chinese workers were brought in to work on a rail line that was to be constructed over the Santiam Pass. This led to the belief by some that Chinese workers built the dam, misinformation that has kept the China Dam legend alive. The rock work is truly a work of art and my family and I have spent many hours exploring the rocks and watching the river.

At the turn of the century, Niagara had a large store, hotel, numerous dwellings and a tavern. It gained fame at one time for the smallest post office in the United States 6x8 feet. The post office was discontinued June 14, 1934."

One of my high school friends, lived on the site of the former Post Office and she used the small building as her bedroom. I always thought it was fascinating she lived in a piece of history. There are several fishing holes on this stretch of the river.

I love Oregon, let me show you why!