Siltcoos River

The Siltcoos River is a 3-mile (4.8 km) stream on the central coast of the U.S. state of Oregon. It begins at Siltcoos Lake, which straddles the border between Douglas and Lane counties. The river meanders generally west to the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) south of Florence and 13 miles (21 km) north of Reedsport.[4] The river, losing little elevation between source and mouth,[2] passes through the Westlake section of Dunes City, under U.S. Route 101, and through a marshy area and sand dunes of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is within Siuslaw National Forest.[4]

Siltcoos River
The river just below the dam near Siltcoos Lake
Siltcoos River is located in Oregon
Siltcoos River
Location of the mouth of the Siltcoos River in Oregon
EtymologyA local Native American chief and family, it is said.[1]
Location
CountryUnited States
StateOregon
CountyDouglas and Lane
Physical characteristics
SourceSiltcoos Lake
 • locationnear Westlake
 • coordinates43°52′53″N 124°06′45″W[2]
 • elevation12 ft (3.7 m)[3]
MouthPacific Ocean
 • coordinates
43°52′25″N 124°09′14″W[2]
 • elevation
10 ft (3.0 m)[2]

Recreation

The river's relative flatness makes it suitable for canoeing in either direction, although the lower end has no boat launch and the beach nearby is closed between March 15 and September 15 to protect snowy plover nesting areas.[5] Campgrounds along or near the river include Tyee, on the east side of U.S. Route 101, as well as Waxmyrtle, Lagoon, and Driftwood on the west side.[5] Tyee and the Lodgepole picnic area near the lake have canoe launch points; a small dam just west of Route 101 requires a portage.[5]

Trails wind through areas near the river. A 0.7-mile (1.1 km) self-guided nature trail follows an oxbow bend in the river near Lagoon campground.[6] A 1.3-mile (2.1 km) trail meanders along the river from Waxmyrtle campground to the beach, and a 4.3-mile (6.9 km) loop trail connects primitive campgrounds near Siltcoos Lake.[6] The Siltcoos Lake Trail, with a trailhead east of U.S. Route 101 about 7 miles (11 km) south of Florence, is frequented by mountain bikers.[5][7]

Fishing for coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, and largemouth bass is allowed in the upstream stretch of the river between the lake and U.S. Route 101. Anglers fish from stream banks or from boats. There is a public boat ramp north of Westlake.[8]

See also

References
  1. McArthur, Lewis A.; McArthur, Lewis L. (2003) [1928]. Oregon Geographic Names (7th ed.). Portland: Oregon Historical Society Press. p. 876. ISBN 0-87595-277-1.
  2. "Siltcoos River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. November 28, 1980. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  3. Source elevation derived from Google Earth search using GNIS source coordinates.
  4. Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer. Freeport, Maine: DeLorme Mapping. 1991. p. 32. ISBN 0-89933-235-8.
  5. Richard, Terry (May 20, 2008). "Siltcoos River: Bring a Canoe and a Tent". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Live, LLC. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  6. Sullivan, William (2009). Atlas of Oregon Wilderness. Eugene, Oregon: Navillus Press. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-9815701-2-9.
  7. "Siltcoos Lake Trailhead". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  8. Sheehan, Madelynne Diness (2005). Fishing in Oregon: the Complete Oregon Fishing Guide (10th ed.). Scappoose, Oregon: Flying Pencil Publications. p. 37. ISBN 0-916473-15-5.
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