South Fork Coquille River
The 1,059 square-mile Coquille River Watershed is the third largest river system in Oregon to originate from the Coast Range.
The majority of the Coquille Watershed lies in Coos County, Oregon. The remainder is in Douglas County and a small area of Curry County.
The Coquille's three major tributaries--the North (including the East Fork), Middle, and South Forks--join the main stem within a few miles up- and downstream of the town of Myrtle Point and flow into the Pacific Ocean at Bandon.
The South Fork Coquille River is a productive salmon and steelhead spawning stream. Coquille River winter steelhead can exceed 20 pounds and are famous for their acrobatics and strong fight! The river is not stocked for trout, but above Coquille River Falls, anglers can pursue wild cutthroat and rainbow trout. Below the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and the town of Powers, OR, there are several excellent drift boat floats for steelhead and Chinook salmon.
The river is closed to all angling between the RRSNF-private boundary and Coquille River Falls.
At a Glance
Closest Towns: |
|
---|
General Information
Directions:
From Medford, take I-5 North to exit 119 Winston. Take Highway 42 west toward Coquille. Take Highway 242 towards Powers. Drive through the town of Powers until the road turns into Forest Service Road 33. Coquille River Falls is about 12 miles south of the forest boundary.
Activities
Campground Camping
- Buck Creek Campground
- Daphne Grove Campground
- Eden Valley Campground
- Island Campground
- Myrtle Grove Campground
- Powers Park Coos County
- Rock Creek Campground
RV Camping
River and Stream Fishing
- Fish Species: Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout above Coquille Falls; spring and fall Chinook salmon and winter steelhead in the lower river downstream
- Fishing Access: 2 X 4, hiking
- Fishing Methods: Fly, lure
- Angling Season: May 27 to October 31 for trout above Coquille River Falls. Check regulations for steelhead and salmon seasons downstream of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Powers, as the Forest is closed to all salmon and steelhead fishing.
- Depth and Size: N/A-? miles
Fishing License
Oregon state fishing license required. See Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.
Day Hiking
- Big Tree Trail #1150
- Elk Creek Trail #1230
- Coquille River Falls Trail #1257
- Azalea Lake / Fir Glade Trail #955
Big Game Hunting
- Recreation sites are adjacent to a variety of hunting opportunities. Hunting/discharging a firearm is NOT allowed in or near recreation sites.
- Reference: 36CFR 261.10(d)
- See Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for hunting regulations.
Small Game Hunting
- Recreation sites are adjacent to a variety of hunting opportunities. Hunting/discharging a firearm is NOT allowed in or near recreation sites.
- Reference: 36CFR 261.10(d)
- See Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for hunting regulations.
Picnicking
- Buck Creek Day Use
- Daphne Grove Day Use
- Eden Valley Day Use
- Island Day Use
- Myrtle Grove Day Use
- Powers Park Coos County Day Use
- Rock Creek Day Use
Scenic Driving
- Forest Road 33