North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River
Oregon
The North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River was designated as a wild and scenic river in 1988. Water quality is one of the most outstanding attributes of the North Fork, as its source, Waldo Lake, is regarded by some experts as one of the purest in the world.
Scenic
Wild
Designated Reach
October 28, 1988. From Waldo Lake to the Willamette National Forest boundary.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Fish
The North Fork is one of the few rivers in western Oregon managed for wild trout by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Native wild trout populations include rainbow and cutthroat.
Geology
A two-million-year-old history of vulcanism and three glacial advances provide an outstanding backdrop for study and interpretation. The river cuts through two distinct geologic periods, the High Cascade, from 6,000 to 1 million years ago, and the Western Cascade, from 15 million to 25 million ye...Show More
History
The North Fork played a critical role in the logging history of the area and the development of the town of Westfir.
Recreation
The river corridor offers a diversity of recreation settings, ranging from developed campgrounds to wilderness. The clarity and vivid blue-green color of the river attracts kayakers, hikers, anglers, scenic viewers, and swimmers. The river is managed for wild trout and as a high-quality, flyfishi...Show More
Scenery
The designated river corridor contains a wide variety of landforms and vegetation, including a steep glaciated valley and 34 waterfalls within a three-mile stretch. The vegetation along the river is diverse, because its elevation ranges from 1100 to 5400 feet and the diversity of landforms range ...Show More
Wildlife
Roosevelt elk herds, blacktail deer, black bears, cougars, northern spotted owls, and bald eagles are residents here.