Mill City
Marion and Linn County
Mill City lies on both sides of the North Santiam river and is therefore split between Marion and Linn counties. Founded in 1886, Mill City was incorporated in 1947. I guess it took a while for the people to figure out if they really wanted to have a city. The downtown area is the former site of the Santiam Lumber Company mill from which the city took it name. Creative. Notwithstanding that the whole North Santiam canyon is almost devoid of lumber industry, one mill still operates here on the road to Lyons. Recreation is now an important part of the economy. Fishing and hiking, rafting and camping all bring people to the area. A traveler not used to western Oregon's mountain beauty would be amazed at the scenery around this town.