To see the rugged and wild side of nature, take a trip along the 44.5 mi. of the Wild and Scenic Chetco River. This federally designated section of the Chetco is divided into three segments: wild, scenic and recreational. The first 27.5 mi., extending from its headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness down to Mislatnah Creek, are designated wild. The next 7.5 mi., down to Eagle Creek, are designated scenic, while the last 9.5 mi., from Eagle Creek to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary just above Loeb State Park, are designated recreational.
Within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness the mountainous terrain is steep, sparsely vegetated and deeply cleaved by the Chetco. The river floor is narrow and boulder-strewn, with many rapids and falls. Leaving the wilderness, the river begins to widen but still narrows at points, crossing through rocky outcroppings where it leaves behind gigantic boulders. The dramatic Chetco River Gorge, with its abrupt sides and unique rock formations, is well worth a visit. Below it, the river continues to broaden with sandbars and raised river terraces. The river eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean between Brookings and Harbor, just 5 mi. north of the California border, where it is gentler, the river bottom wider and its banks covered by dense forest. Along its journey it drops 3,700 ft. in elevation.
In the summer, visitors love to go fishing, four-wheel driving, hiking, swimming, picnicking, rafting, kayaking, camping and wildlife-viewing on the river. In the fall and winter, people enjoy excellent salmon and steelhead fishing, and a few brave and hardy souls go whitewater kayaking.
WHERE: The Chetco River winds through the southern part of Curry County and can be found from the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in Siskiyou National Forest to alongside North Bank Chetco River Road off Hwy 101 near Brookings.
MORE INFO: 541-247-3600, fs.usda.gov
