Minto

Minto Park​

In the mid-1950's before the Marion County Park and Recreation Commission was formed, Judge Rex Hartly and members of the County Court signed an order setting tax-reverted recreational properties along the North Santiam River.  Minto Canyon Park is one of these areas.  

The park was named in honor of John Minto who explored the Santiam Canyon in 1873 in search of a natural pass leading into Eastern Oregon.  The Minto Trail, which starts in Eastern Oregon and ends in Gates, and Minto Creek are both named after him.  A Land and Water Development grant in the late 1960's reimbursed Marion County for one-half the cost of developing 14 picnic sites and the extensive trail system through the park and along the Santiam River.  Work relief crews were also used to assist in development of the park.

Wildfire Recovery Efforts