The Siuslaw River (pronounced /saɪˈjuːslɔː/ sigh YOU slaw) is a river, approximately 110 mi (177 km) long, along the Pacific coast of Oregon in the United States. It drains an area of approximately 4560 sq mi (11900 km2) in the Central Oregon Coast Range southwest of the Willamette Valley and north of the watershed of the Umpqua River.
It rises in the Coastal Range of southwestern Lane County, approximately 5 mi (8 km) west of Cottage Grove. It flows generally WNW through the mountains, past Swisshome, entering the Pacific at Florence. The head of tide is 25 miles upstream.
The valley of the river has been historically one of the productive timber regions in Oregon. The lower course of the river passes through Siuslaw National Forest.
The Coos Bay branch of the Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad crosses many bridges as it follows the narrow, winding valley of the Siuslaw River to the swing bridge at Cushman.
The river has historically been a spawning ground for both Chinook and Coho salmon. Although the present Chinook population is healthy, the Coho is a mere 5% of its historic numbers. The estuary of the river is surrounded by extensive wetlands that are a significant habitat for migratory birds along the coast. It is one of the very few Western Oregon rivers where all major forks are undammed.
See also
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Siuslaw National Forest |
- real-time Siuslaw River gauge readings
- Watershed Assessment of The Siuslaw Basin
- Oregon Coastal Atlas: Siuslaw River estuary
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Siuslaw River and Bar
- McKenzie River Trust: Siuslaw river
Coordinates: 43°59′31″N 124°01′14″W / 43.992074°N 124.020538°W
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
