Mill City in Linn, Mill City, OR 97355

Situated just 1.5± miles east of Mill City in Linn County, Oregon, this expansive parcel offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the North Santiam River Canyon. Beneath the foothills of the Cascade Range. Access is convenient via paved county roads, with proximity to Highway 22 offering a direct route to Salem (about 35 miles northwest) and the broader Willamette Valley. 90± minutes to Portland and 40± minutes to Salem. The property is easily reachable, making it ideal for full-time living, weekend retreats, or recreational getaways.

Land Use & Cup on File

Zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU), with a roughly 3.6± acre section zoned Rural Residential (RR-5). A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is on file, streamlining the process for new construction. One homesite has been approved, along with a standard septic system. The designated RR-5 portion on the western edge of the property may meet criteria for an additional homesite in the future. Prospective buyers are encouraged to verify their intended uses with Linn County Planning. The land is non-irrigated and partially fenced.

Recreation

Spanning 68.76± acres, the property offers a diverse landscape of open meadows, native timber, and nearly 1,000± feet of direct frontage on the North Santiam River known for exceptional runs of wild Steelhead and trout. The land provides stunning views and abundant space for outdoor recreation, whether you enjoy riverside walks, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding in privacy. Experience scenic float trips and thrilling whitewater rafting, with rapids ranging from Class III to III+, including Spencer’s Hole, Carnivore, and Mill City Falls during spring runoff. Located in Oregon’s Wildlife Management Unit 16, the property also offers seasonal hunting opportunities and is frequented by deer, elk, and waterfowl.

North Santiam River

The North Santiam River, a 92± mile tributary of the Santiam River, winds through the scenic Cascade Range in western Oregon, offering a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. In its lower reaches, below Big Cliff Dam near Mill City, the river supports runs of spring Chinook salmon and summer Steelhead, drawing both seasoned and novice fishers alike. Upstream, the river is primarily managed as a stocked-trout fishery, providing excellent opportunities for catching rainbow and brook trout. Closer to its headwaters at Santiam Lake in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, the river is home to native cutthroat trout, adding to the diversity of species. Whether you’re after salmon, Steelhead, or trout, the North Santiam River offers something for every angler in a picturesque, tranquil setting.

Community & Surroundings

Mill City is a small, historic logging town between Stayton and Detroit Lake. The town is known for its scenic canyon setting, and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Willamette National Forest. The broader Santiam Canyon area is a gateway to year-round adventure, including hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and boating at nearby Detroit Lake.

Comments

This unique property offers stunning riverfront views and year-round recreation on the North Santiam River. It is ideal for those who love fishing, wildlife, and the great outdoors. Located just 1.5± miles from Mill City with easy access to Salem and Portland, it combines seclusion with convenience. With a Conditional Use Permit in place, it’s ready for your dream home or weekend retreat in Oregon’s beautiful Santiam Canyon.