Western Rivers Conservancy worked to conserve the lower portions of Drift Creek, one of Oregon's finest spawning and rearing streams for coastal coho salmon (listed as a federal Threatened species.) Drift Creek enters the Alsea River at the head of the Alsea Bay estuary above Waldport, OR. The 1,402-acre property, which WRC purchased from a timber company, is now managed as part of the Siuslaw National Forest. The land begins at a magnificent waterfall on Drift Creek and follows the creek for five miles as it slows into a meandering pattern that feeds rich wetlands, with sloughs and backwaters that are ideal rearing habitat for juvenile coho salmon. The property also contains the North Channel of the Alsea River, a backwater area with eelgrass beds and saltwater marsh that is critical habitat for salmon and other species of marine fish. About half the property is forested, primarily with Douglas fir on the upland slopes and red alder in the riparian zone. The remainder is wetland and pasture.

The Alsea River was once the most productive coho salmon stream in Oregon, and this stream will be the focus of a coho recovery effort. One key to recovery is the Alsea Bay estuary, which still has unusually large areas of salt marsh in excellent condition, primarily at the confluence with Drift Creek on this property. Drift Creek also supports a healthy run of fall chinook as well as spring chinook, winter steelhead, cutthroat trout and other species. This property offers the most promising opportunity for habitat restoration in the Alsea Bay estuary and dramatic improvement of coho salmon habitat. Additionally, the Drift Creek property is downstream from the Drift Creek Wilderness Area. The Drift Creek Wilderness is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts including anglers, boaters and hikers. Public acquisition of the lower stream brings improved access to Drift Creek and better opportunities for boating.

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