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Visitor Information

Stayton and Sublimity’s small-town atmosphere grows strong families and communities. The community shares a love for the beauty of the Santiam Canyon and the quality of life that makes the area special. Nestled perfectly between Salem and the Cascades, choices abound for work and play.

Location

Close enough to the big city to enjoy it, and far enough away to leave the hustle and bustle behind, Stayton and Sublimity are at the base of the scenic Cascades foothills at the junction of Highway 22 and the Cascade Highway, just 12 miles east of Interstate 5 via Highway 22. A dozen Century family farms are minutes away from Oregon’s high-tech industry. The communities offer residents easy access to major transportation corridors.  Salem, Oregon’s capitol, is 14 miles west.  Detroit Lake is xx miles to the east. Close proximity to outdoor recreation facilities and transportation arteries make Stayton and Sublimity a great home for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and business. 

Climate

Mild, wet winters bring the lush green warm lazy days of summer. Average temperatures range from 33 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit in January, the coldest month, and 50 to 82 degrees in July, the warmest month. But don’t let averages fool you, we do get a hot spell every so often. Annual rainfall is 53.01 inches, concentrated in December, January and February. Sublimity’s elevation ranges from 485 to 565 feet above sea level. Stayton’s elevation is 430 to 560 feet. 

History

Stayton is rooted deep in family history. Drury Smith Stayton was a generous pioneer father who gave each of his children a building site and enough lumber to build a home. The original town was built around their plots. Postmaster Samuel McCauley honored the founder by naming the town Stayton. It was officially created by the Oregon legislature in 1891.

A German population settled in Sublimity. In 1852 the town got its first post office. James M. Denny named the town. Neighbors agree that living in Sublimity is “sublime”.

Population

Stayton’s population has reached 7,150. Sublimity’s latest numbers show a population of 2,160.

Business

Lush green rolling hills and tall timber provided the economic base for the early settlers in the area. Today Norpac, a food processor, is Stayton’s largest employer. It was located in Stayton in the 1920s. The cannery employs about 1,200 local workers seasonally. Stayton offers opportunities for small business with two major shopping centers, along First Avenue and the other at the intersection of Golf Course and Shaff roads and in the downtown area centered on Third Avenue. The industrial park along Shaff Road has access to rail service as well as easy access to the Highway 22, which connects with Interstate 5.

In Sublimity new sidewalks, street lamps and easy parking make Ditter’s Square and neighboring businesses inviting. This site has been an historic place of commerce since Ditter’s Market opened in the 1800s.  Outside of town Doerfler Farms is the largest grass seed producer worldwide.  The industry is credited with bringing $750 million to the state’s economy annually. Christmas trees grown in the area are shipped to all 50 U.S states, the Pacific Rim Countries, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

City Services

City staff and involved community members keep Stayton running smoothly. Stayton has a mayor-council form of government, with a city administrator and staff of 40 full-time employees and 28 who work part-time. The city also administers the water system and the waste treatment facility. For information, call 503-769-3425.

Sublimity’s government consists of a mayor and four council members and a recorder/treasurer. The city of Sublimity contracts with Stayton for sewage treatment and disposal. The city’s water is fluoridated and

chlorinated and comes from four wells. For information, call 503-769-5475. 

The Stayton Police Department serves both Stayton and Sublimity with a force that includes a police chief and 12 officers. They are aided by 11 reserve officers and cadets. To volunteer, call 503-769-3421.

Stayton Public Library has been helping residents with their reading and reference needs since 1989. Friends of the Library support the library with new equipment and several volunteer programs. The library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service with free reciprocal borrowing privileges for patrons, to 18 member libraries in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. For information, call 503-769-3313.

Stayton Pool, an indoor aquatic facility, offers both classes and open swim schedule. It is also available for parties. all 503-767-7665.

Fire Protection

Stayton Rural Fire District provides the city and surrounding unincorporated areas with fire protection and emergency response. Sixty volunteers and a paid staff that includes a chief, four crew members and a secretary, keep the station running effectively. Three outlying stations are situated in Marion, Elkhorn and Mehama. There are 19 fire apparatus and supplemental vehicles in the department. To volunteer, call 503-769-2601.

Sublimity Rural Fire District has two paid positions, and about 13 volunteer firefighters serving two fire stations, Parker Street and Drift Creek Road. In case of an emergency a rescue vehicle is available.  To volunteer, call 503-769-3282.

Taxes

Property taxes rates vary depending on bond indebtedness.  The 2004 rates per $1,000 in assessed value was $15.41 for Stayton, $13.24 for Sublimity.  For adjacent unincorporated areas of Marion County call 503-588-5215.