Western Oregon boasts some of the most biologically diverse, undeveloped forest lands in the nation. Free-flowing rivers, home to wild salmon and steelhead, carve through serpentine soil that feed plants seen nowhere else on the planet. This area of southwest Oregon offers people a place to relax and listen to hidden waterfalls, hike within towering old-growth forests, and raft or fish along wild rivers.
Currently, there are two pieces of legislation moving through the 118th Congress that will protect some of Oregon’s most unique lands and rivers, including portions of the Rogue, Illinois, and North Fork Smith Rivers. These watersheds are treasured by local communities as sources of clean drinking water, by visitors from across Oregon, and across the world as premier outdoor recreation destinations. These public lands provide significant economic benefits from outdoor recreation and tourism for rural communities, and their wilderness character provides a unique backcountry experience.
Explore Oregon’s wild rivers through imagery by viewing the gallery below!
