River of the Month | October, 2019

Elk River

A salmon stronghold of immense importance, the Elk River is a jewel of southern Oregon’s “Wild Rivers Coast.” Pristine, healthy and cold, the Elk drains the largest block of old-growth forest in the Oregon Coast Range and carves through lush gorges on its 32-mile journey to meet the Pacific, just north of Port Orford. The basin features 74 wild and scenic river miles, including the North and South forks and important tributaries like Rock Creek, which WRC protected in 2007.

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The Elk River supports one of the healthiest runs of coho salmon on the West Coast. When WRC purchased a 170-acre property at the confluence of the Elk River and Rock Creek, it protected some of the most important coho spawning habitat in the Elk system.
The Elk River supports one of the healthiest runs of coho salmon on the West Coast. When WRC purchased a 170-acre property at the confluence of the Elk River and Rock Creek, it protected some of the most important coho spawning habitat in the Elk system.
Photography | Wood Sabold

Why It Matters

With its emerald water, strong native fish runs and majestic old-growth forests, the Elk River is a true refuge for fish and wildlife of the Oregon coast. Much of the basin remains virtually untouched within two vast wilderness areas—Grassy Knob Wilderness and the adjacent Copper Salmon Wilderness—making it the best-protected watershed on the Oregon Coast.

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Fish

The Elk is one of the healthiest coastal fisheries in the continental U.S., with robust native runs of Chinook salmon, coho (above), steelhead and cutthroat trout. Mile for mile, it produces more coho than any other stream on the Oregon coast. With its wild fish runs so intact, the Elk has been deemed a “living laboratory” to study native fish survival.

Biodiversity

Colossal old-growth forests, including rare Port Orford cedar, harbor the largest population of northern spotted owl in the Lower 48 as well as marbled murrelet, black bear, Roosevelt elk and other wildlife. Iron Mountain, the source of the South Fork, is home to botanical wonders like carnivorous darlingtonia (above) and Brewer spruce.

How to See It

Escape to the secluded wonders of the Elk River, where you can marvel at the beauty of giant trees, plunge into deep green pools, paddle exciting rapids and chase wild fish. From Port Orford, Elk River Road winds along the river into the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and to the edge of the Grassy Knob and Copper Salmon wilderness areas.

  • Hike

    Hike

    For views of the Elk River winding all the way to the ocean, ascend the half-mile trail to Grassy Knob or hike the five-mile Barklow Mountain Trail to an old fire lookout in the Copper Salmon Wilderness. For plant-lovers, the Iron Mountain Trail features rare flora and 360-degree vistas.

  • Bike

    Bike

    The Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway winds along the Elk River for 20 miles to Butler Bar Campground. Once you’re in the National Forest, you can scramble down to sandy beaches and have a peaceful swim in the emerald water. Here’s the state park bikeway map.

  • Fish

    Fish

    Quick to clear after rain storms, the Elk is a winter favorite when other rivers are blown out. A big late run of Chinook (wild and broodstock) overlaps with good steelhead returns (all wild). Bank access is limited however, and most anglers float the river from the Elk River Hatchery (angling is closed above this point). Check regulations.

  • Paddle

    Paddle

    A thrilling 11-mile, Class-IV run from Butler Creek to the fish hatchery takes skilled paddlers through tight canyons of exposed bedrock, with water so clear and forests so dense, you won’t even notice there’s a road just above. Scout for fallen trees.

The WRC Story

When a critical confluence on the Elk River was threatened in 2007, Western Rivers Conservancy acted quickly to buy a 170-acre tract and permanently protect it from development. The property is located where the Elk is joined by Rock Creek, a highly productive tributary for steelhead and salmon, especially coho. To protect the confluence and conserve the last unprotected lands along Rock Creek, WRC conveyed the property to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in 2012. Today it is part of a protected corridor that extends all the way to the Grassy Knob Wilderness. In March 2019, Rock Creek was protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act along its entire length, an accomplishment that WRC’s efforts helped make possible—and a testament to the beauty and importance of this incredible coastal system.

Google Map

Best Time of Year

Salmon fishing
Nov-Jan
Steelhead
Dec-Mar
Elk River
Summer and fall
Boating
Check flows; min. 3 ft. recommended

Go Deeper

  • Three days of adventure in Port Orford

    (Travel Oregon)
    Learn More

  • Scent Research Could Help More Salmon Find Their Way Home

    (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
    Learn More

  • Copper Salmon Wilderness Good for Salmon

    (Oregon Live)
    Learn More

  • Port Orford Cedar Conservation

    (U.S. Forest Service)
    Learn More

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