Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands, also known as the National Landscape Conservation System, contain some of the West's most spectacular landscapes. It includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres that include Wild and Scenic Rivers.

The BLM is responsible for managing portions of 38 Wild and Scenic Rivers for a combined total of over 2,000 miles. Wild and Scenic Rivers are designated under the authority of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to protect outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other values and to preserve the river in its free-flowing condition. Below are just a few of the spectacular National Conservation Lands in Oregon and Washington.

John Day River

The John Day River basin drains nearly 8,100 square miles of central and northeast Oregon. It is one of our nation's longest free-flowing river systems. Elevations range from 265 feet at the confluence with the Columbia River to over 9,000 feet at the headwaters in the Strawberry Mountain Range. more>>

Rogue River

The Rogue River is located in southwestern Oregon and flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean. The 84 mile, Congressionally designated "National Wild and Scenic" portion of the Rogue begins 7 miles west of Grants Pass and ends 11 miles east of Gold Beach. more>>

Lower Deschutes River

The Lower Deschutes River is an increasingly popular river for all kinds of recreationists. Thousands of people visit each year to enjoy its incredible fishing, exciting whitewater, and beautiful scenery. The river offers a variety of opportunities for both day and overnight trips. The most popular types of recreation include fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking, and hiking. more >>

Lower Crooked River

The Chimney Rock segment of the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River is increasingly popular for all kinds of recreationists. Thousands of people visit each year to enjoy the incredible fishing, camping, and scenic views. The area provides for many types of recreation activities, including: camping, fishing, hiking, and driving, or bicycling on the Crooked River Backcountry Byway. more >>

Owyhee River

The Vale District manages the Oregon section of the Owyhee River from the Oregon/Idaho state line to the Owyhee Reservoir. The Idaho section of the river (above the state line) is managed through the Idaho BLM. more >>

Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers

The river corridor between Minam, Oregon, and Heller Bar, Washington, includes the lower ten miles of the Wallowa River and the lower 81 miles of the Grande Ronde river. Public lands in the river corridor are managed in part by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and the States of Oregon and Washington. more >>