Elkhorn Creek

Oregon

Designated Reach: September 30, 1996. This wild and scenic river consists of a 5.8 mile wild river area, extending from a point along the Willamette National Forest to its confluence with Buck Creek. A smaller segment of 0.6 miles, designated as a scenic river area, extends from the confluence of Buck Creek to that point where the segment leaves the Bureau of Land Management boundary in Township 9.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 5.8 miles; Scenic — 0.6 miles; Total — 6.4 miles.

The Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River is a unique, pristine low-elevation setting, with limited access, providing a landscape with few signs of human disturbance or activity. This picturesque stream flows through the heavily forested and rugged foothills of the west side of the Cascade Mountains and within the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, which is known for its majestic old-growth forests.

Bedrock landforms feature prominently within Elkhorn Creek, along with views of occasional rock outcroppings and talus slopes interspersed with old-growth and second growth forests. Conifers dominate the forest, along with Western red cedar and red alder.

There are no developed recreation facilities in the river corridor. The river is not stocked. Healthy populations of native cutthroat and rainbow trout reside in Elkhorn Creek, and giant Pacific salamanders have been sighted.