RIVER OF THE MONTH
North Fork Smith River
Oregon’s coastal North Fork Smith River (not to be confused with the NF Smith of northern California) is one of the most unspoiled tributaries to the Umpqua River. From its source in the Coast Range, the river flows for 34 miles to the main-stem Smith, which meets the Umpqua near Reedsport. Over its 34-mile course, the North Fork plunges over three of the state’s most spectacular waterfalls and carves a remote canyon through one of the largest blocks of old-growth forest on the Oregon Coast.
Why It Matters
USFWS
USFWS
With healthy native fish runs, three massive waterfalls and ancient forests untouched by logging, the North Fork Smith is a rare gem in the Oregon Coast Range. The river lies entirely within the Siuslaw National Forest, including seven pristine miles within the Kentucky Falls Special Interest Area, which WRC expanded in 2003.
Fish
The North Fork Smith is a stronghold for Umpqua River salmon and steelhead, with coho, sea-run and resident cutthroat trout, fall Chinook and winter steelhead. When water temperatures rise on the lower Umpqua River, the North Fork Smith provides an important refuge for these fish.
Wildlife
With a long, unbroken corridor of old-growth forest, the basin harbors northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet (both threatened species), as well as many species of concern like red tree vole, olive-sided flycatcher, Pacific fisher, western pond turtle and several varieties of bats.