Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Recreation - Wild and Scenic Elk River

Designated Reach: October 28, 1988. The main stem from the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Elk River to Anvil Creek. The North Fork from the falls to the confluence with the South Fork.

Classification/Mileage

• Wild: 2.0 miles
• Recreational: 17.0 miles
• Total: 19.0 miles

The Elk River is in Curry County, approximately three miles north of Port Orford, along the beautiful southern Oregon Coast. Designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1988, the Elk River has been given two classifications:

• The 17-mile segment from the confluence of the North and South Fork of the Elk River to Anvil Creek is classified "recreational."
• The 2-mile segment of the North Fork Elk River from the falls to its confluence with the South Fork Elk River is classified "wild."

The Elk River drainage is valued for its fish, wildlife, clean water, scenery, timber and recreation. The watershed is representative of the old-growth ecosystems along the southern Oregon coast. The scenic quality in the river corridor is a result of a combination of the geology, land forms, water and vegetation features. The lower section of the river flows through a steep canyon with exposed rock surfaces, forming an inner-gorge environment. Upstream, the gorge widens slightly, but the corridor remains very steep.

The combination of water, color, exposed rock surfaces, dynamic flow, and relatively undisturbed environment creates an interesting and beautiful landscape throughout the year. The scenic quality of the river corridor draws on these features to create a significant value within the federally protected corridor.

Within the river corridor and surrounding timber stands live many different and unique wildlife species, including the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, and bald eagle. The forest stands surrounding the Elk River may in fact contain one of the largest populations of marbled murrelets in the lower 48 states.

Perhaps the most remarkable attribute of the Elk River is its outstanding coastal fisheries. The Elk River contains very important populations of resident native chinook salmon, sea-run cutthroat trout, winter steelhead, and some coho salmon. The Elk River provides outstanding species diversity, excellent spawning and rearing habitat, and is also highly valued for its productive commercial and recreational fisheries. Many portions of the Elk River, however, are closed to fishing. Please review the fishing regulations for current closures, limits, and tackle restrictions.

Recreation Opportunities

There are three developed campgrounds within the river corridor; two sites are located along the river, Butler Bar and Sunshine Bar, and the third campground is Laird Lake. None of these sites currently charge a fee, with Butler Bar providing water service on a seasonal basis. The river itself provides many pools and swimming areas, and there are several dispersed sites along the river corridor. The main attraction to the area is fishing, which is restricted to the first two miles of river corridor.

Elk Wild and Scenic River Photos