Contact

Parks and Recreation
1457 23rd Street SE
Salem, OR 97302

For program information and general questions, contact Recreation Staff, 503-588-6261

For help with online registration or your customer account, contact Customer Service, 503-588-7272

parksandrecreation@cityofsalem.net

Hours

Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Connect

City of Salem Recreation Services

Tree Climbing

Spend time learning to climb some of the largest and tallest trees in the world, around 300’ high! Wear stretchy clothing that can get dirty, long socks, and pants that cover the ankles. (Do not wear jeans or stiff pants.)

Of importance: This activity takes place in Silver Falls State Park. All adventures begin at Howard Creek Trailhead parking lot. Use Google Maps to find the meeting location. (Apple maps is currently unreliable.) An Oregon State Park day pass is needed.

Half-Day Tree Climbing

AGES: 8+

SEASON: Spring/Summer/Fall

Explore a perspective of nature rarely seen and learn about the unique ecology, plants, and animals of old-growth forests. Participants will get equipment fitted and have time to practice on smaller trees before moving on to climbing to the top of the canopy.

Bring a bottle of water and snacks.

Sunset Climb

AGES: 8+

SEASON: Spring/Summer/Fall

Participants learn the same basics as the Intro to Tree Climbing class and experience the sunset over the Willamette Valley. For this climb, participants are required to use a head lamp for hiking up to 1.5 hours, climbing and rappelling. Start times can vary based on sunset times.

Bring a bottle of water and snacks.

Tree Camping

AGES: 8+

SEASON: Spring/Summer/Fall

Includes about 1.5 hours of climbing/rappelling training and practice followed by a 45-minute hike into the ancient forest. Participants spend 1-2 hours climbing before setting up camping equipment, with the guides' help. (Sleeping height can be customized from 30’ and up.) Once settled in and cozy, enjoy the views before falling asleep. The next morning around 7 a.m., everyone wakes up and starts the process of packing up, rappelling down, and hiking back to the original meeting location. Dinner and breakfast, prepared by the guides, is included in the experience.

Bring a bottle of water and snacks.

Class dates, times, and registration fees are available on the program registration page.

Download the 2024 Recreation Guide

We strive to provide the most accurate information possible. However, some program details may change after the document goes to print.

The activities and fees listed in the Recreation Guide are contingent upon approval of the City of Salem FY 2024-25 budget.

Once the Recreation Guide has gone to print, should changes occur, the most current information will exist in the online registration system, https://egov.cityofsalem.net/parksrec.

FAQs

Are Fee Waivers Available?

Fee waivers may be available for qualified Salem residents living within Salem city limits.

Proof of the OR Health Plan, OR Trail Card, or WIC information is required.

Eligibility is verified annually in the office. For more information, contact 503-588-6261.

After registering, if you plan to register for more programs during the calendar year, contact us for more information about how to register online.

If your address is outside of Salem city limits and ineligible for a fee waiver, you can still register for programs.
May I Request an Accommodation?
Reasonable accommodations may be available, upon request, for persons with disabilities or for those who speak languages other than English.

Accommodations need to be requested 3 business days in advance in one of the following ways:
- When registering for programs online, note the requested accommodation when adding Participant Information.
- When registering in person, note the request on the paper registration card.
- Phone: 503-588-6261, for Relay 711
- Email: parksandrecreation@cityofsalem.net
For further assistance or additional questions, call Parks and Recreation, 503-588-6261.
What is the Refund or Cancellation Policy?
SoftballCityUSA policies are their own and can be found at SoftballCityUSA.com.

Recreation, Sports, and Activities Cancellation/Refund Policy
- The City of Salem reserves the right to cancel programs when minimum enrollment is not met. Full refunds will be issued when programs are canceled.
- Registration fees may be transferred in full to another program of equal value if requested 10 business days in advance of program start.
- Refunds requested:
  - more than 10 business days in advance are eligible for a 100% refund
  - less than 10 business days in advance are eligible for a 50% refund
  - on the day the program begins are eligible for a 25% refund
- Refunds will not be granted:
  - after the first day of program;
  - for absence;
  - inclement weather/air quality once a program has begun;
  - or for amounts equal to or less than $15 per person.
- Refunds may take 4-6 weeks to receive.
- Refunds may be requested by calling Parks and Recreation, 503-588-6261, or by email at ParksandRecreation@cityofsalem.net.

More FAQs