Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Recreation - Winchuck River

The Winchuck River flows into the Pacific Ocean about 0.5 miles north of the Oregon and California border and approximately 5 miles south of Brookings, Oregon. The Winchuck Watershed is approximately 45,624 acres. The South Fork of the Winchuck and most of its subwatershed is in the state of California, the rest of the Winchuck River Watershed is located in Curry County, Oregon.

Five major tributaries, Wheeler Creek, East Fork, Fourth of July Creek, Bear Creek and South Fork, make up the Winchuck River system. Mt. Emily, at 2,926 feet, is the highest point in the basin.

For its size, the Winchuck watershed is an outstanding producer of four highly-valued anadromous salmonid fish. Coho salmon are listed as Threatened and are mostly confined to the South Fork. Fall Chinook are proposed as Threatened and spawn throughout the basin on the extensive low-gradient, gravel-rich stream reaches. Anadromous cutthroat trout occur in high densities, especially in Wheeler Creek. The river fishery in the Winchuck is relatively small, due not only to the smaller size of the runs, but also to restricted access in the lower river. Private property lines both banks and angling from a floating device is prohibited.

Sensitive wildlife species are present in the watershed and include Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet. There are also several stands of coast redwood (approximately 12,300 acres) in the watershed.

Camping opportunities occur in the vicinity of the Winchuck River and its tributaries at the Winchuck Campground, Ludlum Campground and the Ludlum House Group Site Rental.