Wild & Scenic Rivers - Far West
Alaska 
California Oregon Washington
Alaska
Alagnak River
Katmai National Park and Preserve
The Alagnak River flows from Kukaklek Lake in Katmai National Preserve and offers outstanding wilderness recreation and fishing opportunities. The river is also noted for abundant wildlife.
Total Miles: 67; Wild: 67
Alatna River
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
The stream lies partially within Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska, in the Central Brooks Range. Wildlife, scenery, and interesting geologic features abound in the river corridor.
Total Miles: 83; Wild: 83
Andreafsky River
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Located entirely within Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, the highlands around both forks of the Andreafsky are one of two known nesting areas for the bristle-thighed curlew.
Total Miles: 262, Wild: 262
Aniakchak River
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
The river, which lies within Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska, flows out of Aniakchak Caldera and plunges spectacularly through "The Gates" on its way to the Pacific Ocean
Total Miles: 63, Wild: 63
Beaver Creek
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Bureau of Land Management, Steese White Mountains District,
1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks,
AK 99709-3844
This Alaskan river is a moderately swift, shallow stream which flows through rolling hills and past the jagged limestone peaks within the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Downstream, it slows and meanders north through Yukon Flats on its way to the Yukon River. It is an excellent river for the novice looking for outstanding wilderness floating.
Total Miles: 127, Wild: 127
Birch Creek
Bureau of Land Management, Steese/White Mountains District,
1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks,
AK 99709-3844
From its headwaters north of the Steese National Conservation Area, this river flows swiftly through upland plateaus, forested valleys, and rolling hills where river travelers often see moose, caribou, arctic grayling, and a variety of birds. Road accessible at its upper and lower ends, this is one of Alaska's most popular float rivers. Stretches flowing through wilderness environments challenge advanced whitewater enthusiasts.
Total Miles: 126, Wild: 126
Charley River
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve
Lying within Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska, this stream is known for the exceptional clarity of its water. For the experienced canoeist or kayaker, it offers many miles of whitewater challenges.
Total Miles: 208, Wild: 208
Chilikadrotna River
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The river lies within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Long stretches of swift water and outstanding fishing are exceptional features
Total Miles: 11, Wild: 11
Delta River
Bureau of Land Management, Glennallen District,
P.O. Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588
This river watershed begins high in south-central Alaska and connects a series of lakes Iying in the Alaska Range. It offers excellent floating opportunities on its flow north to the Yukon River. At Tangle Lakes Archeological District evidence of cultures dating back 10,000 years has been found.
Total Miles: 62, Wild: 20, Scenic 24, Recreational: 18
Fortymile River
Bureau of Land Management, Steese/White Mountains District'
1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709-3844
This river system is an extensive network of creeks and rivers in east-central Alaska where boaters have many choices for trips through winding canyons of birch, spruce and aspen, and muskeg marshes to alpine tundra on the flanks of Mount Fairplay.
Total Miles: 392, Wild: 179, Scenic 203, Recreational: 10
Gulkana River
Bureau of Land Management, Glennallen District,
P.O. Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588
With the grandeur of Alaska's Wrangell Mountains in the distance and a variety of whitewater, the Gulkana is an outstanding recreation resource. The Gulkana system offers excellent opportunities for seeing moose, waterfowl, bald eagle, and bear. Salmon runs peak from mid-June to late July and floaters can expect weekend fishermen on the lower stretches.
Total Miles: 181, Wild: 181
Ivishak River
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Lying in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, this braided river passes year-round flowing springs, ice fields, and glaciers in hanging valleys. Birdlife probably exceeds 100 species.
Total Miles: 80, Wild: 80
John River
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
P.O. Box 74680, Fairbanks, AK 99707
This river flows south from Anaktuvuk Pass in Alaska's Brooks Range. The valley is an important migration route for the arctic caribou herd.
Total Miles: 52, Wild: 52
Kobuk River
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
From its headwaters in the Endicott Mountains and Walker Lake, the river courses south and west through a wide valley and passes through two scenic canyons.
Total Miles: 110, Wild: 110
Koyukuk River, North Fork
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
This river flows from the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially-carved valleys, through the rugged Endicott Mountains in Alaska's Central Brooks Range. It passes between the "Gates of the Arctic" at Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags.
Total Miles: 102, Wild: 102
Mulchatna River
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The Mulchatna River, which lies within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, is exceptionally scenic as it flows out of Turquoise Lake with the glacier-clad Chigmit Mountains to the east. Both moose and caribou inhabit the area.
Total Miles: 24, Wild: 24
Noatak River
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Noatak National Preserve
The Noatak is situated in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Noatak National Preserve in Alaska. The Noatak drains the largest mountain ringed river basin in America that is still virtually unaffected by human activities.
Total Miles: 330, Wild: 330
Nowitna River
Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge
Flowing through the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge, the lower portion of the river meanders through productive waterfowl nesting areas.
Total Miles: 225, Wild: 225
Salmon River, Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park
Located within Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska, the river is small but exceptionally beautiful with deep, blue-green pools and many rock outcroppings. Vegetation ranges from alpine tundra to treeless bogs.
Total Miles: 70, Wild: 70
Selawik River
Selawik National Wildlife Refuge
Lying entirely within the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, this river is one of the major drainages of the Kobuk region of northwest Alaska. The river is known for its fishing and variety of wildlife.
Total Miles: 160, Wild: 160
Sheenjek River
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Originating from expansive glaciers in the Romanzof Mountains, this river travels south 200 miles to join the Porcupine River near its junction with the mighty Yukon. The river flows through a wide variety of arctic habitats and scenery.
Total Miles: 160, Wild: 160
Tinayguk River
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Alaska's Tinayquk River is the largest tributary of the North Fork of the Koyukuk. Both lie entirely within the pristine environment of Gates- of the Arctic National Park.
Total Miles: 44, Wild: 44
Tlikakila River
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Located about 100 air miles west of Anchorage in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, the Tlikakila River is closely flanked by glaciers, 10,000-foot high rock and-snow capped mountains, and perpendicular cliffs.
Total Miles: 51, Wild: 51
Unalakleet River
Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage District Office,
6881 Abbott Loop Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
This northwest Alaska river is best known for its fishing opportunities for king and silver salmon, arctic grayling, and char. The river played a significant role in prehistoric and Russian era trade, and was an important corridor for early American telegraph, mail, and travel routes.
Total Miles: 80, Wild: 80
Wind River
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Beginning in the Philip Smith Mountains, this river offers a wide variety of vegetation, scenery, and wildlife characteristic of a boreal forest on the south slope of the refuge.
Total Miles: 140, Wild: 140
California
American (Lower) River
California Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
This short stretch of river running through Sacramento is the most heavily used recreation river in California. The river is also known for its runs of steelhead trout and salmon.
Total Miles: 23, Recreational: 23
American River, North Fork
Tahoe National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield District
800 Truxtun Avenue,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
A fairly inaccessible river, this waterway protects spectacular Sierra mountain scenery.
Total Miles: 26.3, Wild: 26.3
Big Sur River
Los Padres National Forest
Located in the Ventana Wilderness, this river offers outstanding opportunities for primitive hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. It is one of the longest California coastal streams to be lined with redwoods.
Total Miles: 19.5, Wild: 19.5
Eel River
Six Rivers National Forest
Mendocino National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah District, 555 Leslie Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-5599
California Resource Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
California's Eel River flows through canyons most of its length but ends in a gently sloping valley with virgin redwood stands. Its salmon and steelhead fishery is of commercial importance to the local area.
Total Miles: 398, Wild: 97, Scenic 28, Recreational: 273
Feather River, Middle Fork
Plumas National Forest
The Middle Fork features Feather Falls, the third highest waterfall (640 feet) in the United States.
This northern California river is remote and has outstanding fishing.
Total Miles: 77.6, Wild: 32.9, Scenic 9.7,Recreational: 35
Kern River
Sequoia National Forest
Sequoia National Park
This river includes both the North and South Forks of the Kern. The South Fork is totally free flowing. It descends through deep gorges with large granite outcroppings and domes interspersed with open meadows. It is habitat for the golden trout, the state fish of California. The upper 47.5 miles of the North Fork flow through Sequoia National Park and the Golden Trout Wilderness, a scenic area with a wide variety of outstanding recreational opportunities, as well as cultural and historical associations.
Total Miles: 151, Wild: 123.1, Scenic 20.9, Recreational: 7
Kings River
Sequoia National Forest
Sierra National Forest
This river includes the entire Middle and South Forks, which are largely in Kings Canyon National Park. Beginning in glacial lakes above timberline, the rivers flow through deep, steep sided canyons, over falls and cataracts, eventually becoming an outstanding whitewater rafting river in its lower reaches in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. Geology, scenery, recreation, fish, wildlife, and history are all significant aspects.
Total Miles: 81, Wild: 65.5, Recreational: 15.5
Klamath River
Klamath National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah District, 555 Leslie Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-5599
California Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, P.O. Box 817, Hoopa, CA 95546
Yurok Tribe Dept. of Natural Resources, 15900 Hwy. 101N, Klamath, CA 95548
California's second largest river, which flows through the state's northwestern counties and then into the ocean in Redwood National Park, is a major salmon producer, particularly for Coho and Chinook. On the banks are noted raptor habitats. The Scott and Salmon, North and South Forks Salmon, and Wooley Creek are included.
Total Miles: 286, Wild: 12, Scenic 24, Recreational: 250
Merced River
Sierra National Forest
Yosemite National Park
Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield District,
800 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Including the South Fork, the Merced flows through superlative scenery—glaciated peaks, lakes, alpine and subalpine meadows—in alternating pools and cascades. Wildilower displays are also spectacular. The South Fork possesses one of the few remaing pristine Sierra fisheries with self-sustaining populations of rainbow, eastern brook, and brown trout. Archeological and wildlife features are also noteworthy.
Total Miles: 122, Wild: 68, Scenic 20, Recreational: 34
Sespe Creek
Los Padres National Forest
Interesting geologic formations, unusual gorges, and riparian vegetation provide excellent scenic diversity and recreation opportunities. This stream is considered an excellent rainbow trout fishery, has a remnant steelhead fishery, and provides critical habitat for the endangered California condor.
Total Miles: 31.5, Wild: 27.5, Scenic 4
Sisquoc River
Los Padres National Forest
Most of this river lies within the San Rafael Wilderness. It offers excellent opportunities for solitude and wilderness-oriented activities with outstanding visual experiences.
Total Miles: 33, Wild: 33
Smith River
Six Rivers National Forest
California Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
The Smith, including 46 tributaries that are also protected, is the only major undammed river system in California. The river is an important stream for fish and is shaded by the towering redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park as it passes by the northern boundary of the park on its way to the Pacific Ocean. Most of the river system is also within the Smith River National Recreation Area.
Total Miles: 325.35, Wild: 78, Scenic 31, Recreational: 216.35
Trinity River
Six Rivers National Forest
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah District, 555 Leslie Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-5599
California Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, P.O. Box 817, Hoopa, CA 95546
This major tributary of California's Klamath River is located in heavily forested, mountainous terrain. The lower river flows through the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. The North and South Forks of the Trinity and the New River are included.
Total Miles: 203, Wild: 44, Scenic 39, Recreational: 120
Tuolumne River
Stanislaus National Forest
Yosemite National Park
Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield District,
800 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
The Tuolumne originates from snowmelt off Mounts Dana and Lyell in Yosemite National Park and courses 54 miles before crossing into Stanislaus National Forest and BLAME public land. This river contains some of the most noted whitewater in the high Sierras and is an extremely popular rafting stream. The park segment provides views of some of America's most spectacular scenery.
Total Miles: 83, Wild: 47, Scenic 23, Recreational: 13
Oregon
Big Marsh Creek
Deschutes National Forest
Big Marsh Creek meanders through a large, high elevation marsh to its confluence with Crescent Creek. The upper portion of the river is in the Oregon Cascades National Recreation Area. There are opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and observing wildlife.
Total Miles: 15, Recreational: 15
Chetco River
Siskiyou National Forest
The outstanding value of this southwestern Oregon stream is its anadromous fisheries. The Chetco provides high quality spawning beds and rearing pools for salmon and steelhead. On-site sport fishing is also an important recreation activity.
Total Miles: 44.5, Wild: 25.5, Scenic 8, Recreational: 11
Clackamas River
Mt. Hood National Forest
Originating in the Cascade Range, the Clackamas flows through a steep-walled canyon lined with dense forest and basalt crags on its way to the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon. A superb fishery, spectacular scenery, and various recreational activities are its special features.
Total Miles: 47, Scenic 20, Recreational: 27
Crescent Creek
Deschutes National Forest
The segment of Crescent Creek below the Crescent Creek Dam flows through a narrow, pristine canyon. The scenery is a key feature of this river.
Total Miles: 10, Recreational: 10
Crooked River
Ochoco National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
185 East Fourth Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
This recreational segment offers expert class IV-V kayaking/rafting during spring runoffs and scenic, vertical, basalt canyons from the Chetco National Forest to Opal Spring.
Total Miles: 15, Recreational: 15
Crooked River, North Fork
Ochoco National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
185 East Fourth Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
After beginning in a series of prairies, the river winds through vertical, rimrock cliffs and old growth ponderosa pine on its way to the Crooked River. This primarily wild river segment offers scenic canyons and outstanding trout fishing.
Total Miles: 32.3, Wild: 11.1, Scenic 9.5, Recreational: 11.7
Deschutes River
Deschutes National ForestBureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
185 East 4th Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
The Deschutes is one of Oregon's premier rivers. It features ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating, and a renowned sport fishery for steelhead and native rainbow trout.
Total Miles: 173.4, Scenic 30, Recreational: 143.4
Donner und Blitzen River
Bureau of Land Management, Burns District Office,
HC74-12533 Hwy. 20 West, Hines, OR 97738
From its headwaters to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge boundary, including major tributaries, this wild river offers scenic glaciated canyons, unique ecosystems, and exceptional wild trout fisheries.
Total Miles: 72.7, Wild: 72.7
Eagle Creek
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Eagle Creek headwaters in the Wallow Mountains and flows through mountain meadows and a deep, glaciated canyon. The river area offers spectacular scenery recreation opportunities and cultural and historic features.
Total Miles: 27, Wild: 4, Scenic 6, Recreational: 17
Elk River
Siskiyou National Forest
Oregon State Parks, 525 Trade Street, SE, Salem, OR 9731i
The Elk River, including its North Fork, is an important anadromous fishery in southwestern Oregon. Scenery is an added attraction.
Total Miles: 19, Wild: 2, Recreational: 17
Grande Ronde River
Umatilla National Forest
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Vale District Office,
100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918
From the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to the Oregon-Washington State line, this river offers outstanding scenery, flatboating, salmon and steelhead fishing, wildlife winter range, and cultural resources.
Total Miles: 43.8, Wild: 26.4, Recreational: 17.4
Illinois River
Siskiyou National Forest
Whitewater provides plenty of excitement for small rafts and kayaks, while clear, still, blue-green pools offer contrast and opportunities for catching anadromous fish, including large steelhead.
Total Miles: 50.4, Wild: 28.7, Scenic 17.9, Recreational: 3.8
Imnaha River
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
The Imnaha River, including its South Fork, follows a fault line to its confluence with the Snake River. This river is predominantly within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Total Miles: 77, Wild: 15, Scenic 4, Recreational: 58
John Day River
Malheur National Forest
Umatilla National Forest
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
185 East 4th Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
From Service Creek to Tumwater Falls, this segment offers colorful canyons, exceptional anadromous steelhead and warmwater bass fishing, archeological, historical, and paleontological values.
Total Miles: 147.5, Recreational: 147.5
John Day River, North Fork
Umatilla National Forest
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
From its headwaters to Camas Creek, the North Fork is one of the most important rivers in northeast Oregon for the production of anadromous fish. Geologic formations, whitewater rafting, and early day mining remains are also important features of this river.
Total Miles: 54.1, Wild: 27.8, Scenic 10.5, Recreational: 15.8
John Day River, South Fork
Malheur National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
18S East 4th Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
From the Malheur National Forest to Smoky Creek, this segment offers outstanding scenery, wild steelhead fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, and camping.
Total Miles: 47, Recreational: 47
Joseph Creek
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
This scenic northeast Oregon stream follows a rugged, basalt canyon. Joseph Creek and its environs are popular for hiking, horseback riding, and big game hunting. Petroglyphs are found on the steep canyon walls.
Total Miles: 8.6, Wild: 8.6
Klamath River
Bureau of Land Managment
Total Miles: 11, Scenic 11
Little Deschutes River
Deschutes National Forest
This segment of the Little Deschutes runs from its headwaters to the National Forest boundary, including the 1500 foot deep Little Deschutes Canyon, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Total Miles: 12, Recreational: 12
Lostine River
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
From its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to the National Forest boundary, the Lostine River follows a glaciated, U-shaped valley surrounded by mountain meadows and high mountain peaks. The river corridor supports an anadromous fishery and a herd of Rocky Mountain sheep.
Total Miles: 16, Wild: 5, Recreational: 11
Malheur River
Malheur National Forest
The designated segment of the Malheur runs from Bosenberg Creek downstream to the forest boundary This wild remote river in eastern Oregon has outstanding trout fishing, big game hunting, and virgin ponderosa pine stands.
Total Miles: 13.7, Scenic 7, Recreational: 6.7
Malheur River, North Fork
Malheur National Forest
The North Fork Malheur River's outstanding values are its scenery and geology. Flowing from a mosaic of lodgepole pine, meadow/wetland areas, and old growth pine, it enters a steep rugged canyon at its lower end.
Total Miles: 25.5, Scenic 25.5
McKenzie River
Willamette National Forest
From Clear Creek to Scott Creek, the McKenzie is a challenge to whitewater rafters and driftboaters. Its water clarity and cold temperatures enjoy a national reputation.
Total Miles: 12.7, Recreational: 12.7
Metolius River
Deschutes National Forest
The Metolius is one of the largest spring-fed streams in the. United States. It is a highly used recreation area with whitewater boating, fishing, and streamside activities. It is partly within the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
Total Miles: 28.6, Scenic 17.1, Recreational: 11.5
Minam River
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
The Minam is entirely within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The river corridor supports a large population of elk and is heavily used for hunting, fishing, backpacking, horse packing, and other recreational activities.
Total Miles: 39, Wild: 39,
North Powder River
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
From its origin in the Elkhorn Mountains to the National Forest boundary, the North Powder displays splendid mountain scenery and is popular for big game hunting, trail bike riding, and back country hiking.
Total Miles: 6, Scenic 6
Owyhee River
Bureau of Land Management, Vale District,
100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918
From the Owyhee reservoir to the Oregon/ldaho border, the Owyhee flows through a remote, almost unpopulated area. Much of the river cuts through deeply incised canyons that along with canyon rims are home to mountain lion, bobcat, mule deer, California bighorn sheep, and a large variety of raptors. Recreational use is increasing despite difficulty of access.
Total Miles: 120, Wild: 120
Owyhee River, North Fork
Bureau of Land Management, Vale District,
100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918
The North Fork of the Owyhee River lies in the high plateau region of southeast Oregon and is essentially within a narrow, deep basalt-rimmed canyon. The river is recognized for its outstandingly remarkable scenery, geology' wildlife habitat, and "expert" kayaking opportunities.
Total Miles: 9.6, Wild: 9.6
Owyhee River, West Little
Bureau of Land Management, Vale District,
100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918
The West Little Owyhee River is within the high plateau region of southeast Oregon. The river is recognized for its remarkable scenery, unique culture' sites, opportunities for solitude, primitive recreation, and geological features.
Total Miles: 56.7, Wild: 56.7
Powder River
Bureau of Land Management, Vale District,
100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918
From Thief Dam to the Highway 203 bridge, this scenic segment is key for observing raptors and other wildlife species.
Total Miles: 11.7, Scenic 11.7
Quartzville Creek
Willamette National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Salem District,
1717 Fabry Road SE., Salem, OR 97306
From the Willamette National Forest to the slack water at Green Peter Reservoir, this segment offers recreational gold panning and occasional whitewater boating.
Total Miles: 12, Recreational: 12
Rapid River
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area,
Route 1, Box 270A, Enterprise, OR 97828
This river's whitewater harbors an important salmon hatchery.
Total Miles: 26.8; Wild: 26.8
Rogue River
Siskiyou National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Medford District,
3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504
Emerging from the western slope of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, the Rogue winds across farmlands and
orchards before passing through wilderness to the Pacific Ocean. The river is renowned for whitewater
boating and anadromous fishing opportunities.
Total Miles: 84.5, Wild: 34, Scenic 7.5, Recreational: 43
Rogue River {Upper)
Rogue River National Forest
From the Crater Lake National Park boundary downstream to Prospect, this section of the Rogue follows a
major highway and tourist route to the park. Its diverse landscape includes pumice flats, deep gorges and
chutes, and unique ecological systems.
Total Miles: 40.3, Wild: 6.1, Scenic 34.2
Roaring River
Mt. Hood National Forest
Tributary to the Clackamas River, the Roaring River's primitive character and remoteness are its outstanding values. Salmon and steelhead, as well as resident trout, inhabit its waters.
Total Miles: 13.7, Wild: 13.5, Recreational: 02
Salmon River, Oregon
Mt. Hood National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Salem District,
1717 Fabry Road, SE, Salem, OR 97306
From Mt. Hood National Forest to the confluence with the Sandy River, this river segment is near metropolitan Portland, Oregon, and recreational sites. Anadromous fisheries, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities are available.
Total Miles: 33.5, Wild: 15, Scenic 4.8, Recreational: 13.7
Sandy River
Mt. Hood National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Salem District,
1717 Fabry Road, SE, Salem, OR 97306
The designation includes two separate sections. The upper Sandy is glacially fed and contains spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant communities, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The lower Sandy ~s similarly noted for its range of recreational opportunities and anadromous fishery.
Total Miles: 24.9, Wild: 4.5, Scenic 3.8, Recreational: 16.6
Smith River, North Fork
Siskiyou National Forest
The North Fork Smith flows south out of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in southwestern Oregon to the state border to tie with the Smith River System in California.
Total Miles: 13, Wild: 8.5, Scenic 4.5
Snake River
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area,
Route 1, Box 270A, Enterprise, OR 97828
Traversing Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge on the North American continent, the Snake is famed for whitewater boating and fishing. The river offers spectacular scenery, rich cultural resources, and unique plant and wildlife species.
Total Miles: 66.9, Wild: 32.5, Scenic 34.4
Sprague River, North Fork
Fremont National Forest
The designated portion of North Fork Sprague flows through broad, high-elevation meadows. Scenery is its special attraction.
Total Miles: 15, Scenic 15
Squaw Creek
Deschutes National Forest
The three forks of Squaw Creek headwater in the Three Sisters Wilderness on the east slope of the Cascade Range.
Total Miles: 15.4, Wild: 6.6, Scenic , Recreational: 8.8
Sycan River
Fremont National Forest
Winema National Forest
The unique features of this southern Oregon stream are its distinctive scenery which varies from a steep canyon to broad meadows. The Sycan Marsh is a wetland habitat for sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and waterfowl.
Total Miles: 59, Scenic 50.4, Recreational: 8.6
Umpqua River, North
Umpqua National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Roseburg District,
777 N.W. Garden Valley Boulevard, Roseburg, OR 97470
Fly fishing, whitewater boating, and scenic driving are premier recreation activities along the North Umpqua. The clear water, virgin Douglas fir stands, and geologic formations add to the spectacular scenery.
Total Miles: 33.8, Recreational: 33.8
Wenaha River
Umatilla National Forest
The Wenaha flows between rugged, basalt outcrops rising 1,600 feet to the plateau above. It is one of the best rainbow trout streams in northeastern Oregon.
Total Miles: 21.55, Wild: 18.7, Scenic 2.7, Recreational: 0.15
White River
Mt. Hood National Forest
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District,
185 East 4th Street, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, OR 97754
From Mt. Hood National Forest to near the confluence with the Deschutes River, this outstandingly scenic canyon offers waterfalls and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. During the late summer glacial outflow from Mount Hood, the river turns milky white due to suspended sediment concentrations.
Total Miles: 46.5, Scenic 24, Recreational: 22.5
Willamette River, North Fork of the Middle Fork
Willamette National Forest
Crystal clear water, fly fishing for trout, and towering Dauglas fir trees along its banks characterize this stream on the west slopes of the Cascade Range.
Total Miles: 42.3, Wild: 8.8, Scenic 6.5, Recreational: 27
Washington
Klickitat River
Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area
The river flows into the Columbia inside the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Fishing, recreation, and scenic views are excellent
Total Miles: 10, Recreational: 10
Skagit River
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The Skagit and its Cascade, Sauk, and Suiattle tributaries feed into Puget Sound in northern Washington. The area features one of the largest bald eagle concentrations in the lower 48 states and is known for its outstanding fishery.
Total Miles: 157.5, Scenic 99, Recreational: 58.5
White Salmon River
Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area
This river, a tributary of the Columbia, flows through a deep, narrow, rocky gorge. The river's many springs and stable summer flows provide outstanding whitewater boating.
Total Miles: 9, Scenic 9
Definitions of the terms; "Wild, Scenic, and Recreational."
Contrary to what you might think, these terms don't describe the character of the river. Wild doesn't mean it's a wicked and foamy stretch of whitewater, and scenic doesn't mean it's a pastoral float. Rather, it's all about accessibility. Here's what the government says. . . Wild; this river is accessible only by trail, is undeveloped and generally is unpolluted.
Scenic; this river can be accessed by some roads but is mainly still a trail access river.
Recreational; this river has been developed along the shoreline and is easily accessible by roads, trails not necessary.
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