"Scotts Mills County Park"

Scotts Mills County Park on Butte Creek attracts many visitors from the metropolitan areas of Northwest Oregon. The warm water of Butte Creek, the swimming hole below the natural rock waterfall and the woodsy appearance of the park are features that bring people here for summer fun. The land was donated by Portland General Electric (10 acres) and Merle and Barbara Haskins (3 acres). In 2022, an additional 10 acres was donated, increasing the area and setting the site up for the county to create hiking paths and other special ways to enjoy the County Park.  Residents of the community were active in the early development of the park. Scotts Mills was the second park developed and dedicated by the Marion County Park and Recreation Commission in July, 1961. A federal Land and Water grant provided matching funds to pave the roads and parking area, repair a hole torn in the dam by flood waters, and pave the wading pool for safety. The Fish Commission, in cooperation with Marion County, constructed a natural fish passage which will enable the salmon to migrate upstream.

Facilities at a Glance

• Open Year-round13.10 Acres (plus 10 additional acres added through a family donation in 2022)

• Picnic Tables & Shelter

• Play Equipment

• Water Activities

• Fishing

• ADA Restroom

• Day-Use Only

Hours - approximately sunrise to 1 hour past dusk, allowing time for visitors to exit the park.  (No overnight camping is allowed; no RV overnight parking.  

Day Use Only (gates are controlled by a private Security patrol hired by Marion County Parks).  The park is randomly patrolled by Marion County Sheriff, Oregon State Police.

Directions

Twenty-three miles from Salem.  Silverton Road to Hwy 213, north to Scotts-Mills/Mt. Angel Road; east to Scotts Mills (approximately 2 miles); turn on Crooked Finger Road (before the bridge).  Access to the park is on Crooked Finger Road between 4th and 5th Streets.  The park is open year 'round, with gate closure about sundown and reopening each morning by a County-provided security patrol.   

EFFECTIVE 2007 - A NEW COUNTY PARK ORDINANCE IS IN PLACE WHICH HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.  REPRESENTATIVES OF MARION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL BE MAKING EXTRA STOPS AT ALL COUNTY PARKS THROUGHOUT THE "PARK OPEN" DATES TO BE SURE VISITORS ARE AWARE OF NEW REGULATIONS (WHICH INCLUDE NO ALCOHOL).  The ordinance is included in the handouts at this site.

"Scotts Mills City Park"

Scotts Mills also has a CITY PARK - open to public use - located on 1st Street.  With shaded picnic areas, playground equipment, and barbeque areas, it can provide a more 'personal' setting for family or social activities.  Included in the park is a replica covered bridge and waterwheel.  

Reservations are available for private parties - Click here  for information about renting for weddings or other special events. 

------------------------------------------------------------------

 We encourage all users of either park to consider that there are neighbors nearby, children playing in the area, pedestrian traffic, speed limits to adhere to, the perils of parking along the road, and that there are many trash containers in both parks for your litter.