South Coast Basin

“Two types of drainages lie in the South Coast Basin. At the north end of the basin, the medium-sized Coos and Coquille rivers headwater in the Coast Range and flow to the ocean across the Coos Bay dune sheet. Further south, a number of relatively smaller streams (the Floras, Sixes, Elk, Winchuck, Hunter Creek, Chetco, and Pistol rivers) headwater primarily in the Klamath Mountains. Forestry, ranching, agriculture, commercial and recreational fishing, and tourism are significant factors in the economy of communities in the basin. Significant portions of marine terraces in this basin have been converted to cranberry or lily production. The Coquille Valley is a cattle and dairy producing region. Several of the watersheds in the southern part of this basin were affected by wildfires during summer 2002.

The nearly 180,000 acre Kalmiopsis Wilderness includes the headwater basin of the Chetco and other rivers. This is a harsh, rugged area where elevations range from 500 to 5,098 feet (Pearsoll Peak). The area is characterized by deep, rough canyons, sharp rock ridges and clear rushing mountain streams and rivers. Diversity of topography and geology provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of botanical species. The nearly 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire of 2002 included the entire wilderness area.

Gold and Silver Falls State Park is located in the Coast Range 25 miles northeast of Coos Bay. This little known state park has two scenic waterfalls. Each 200 foot cataract is accessed by a half mile trail and are about a mile apart from each other. Many different kinds of native plants line the short hiking trail, including lacy maidenhair ferns. Click here for 360 degree virtual tours of the falls.

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest remaining tidal salt marsh within the Coquille River estuary. Located near the mouth of the Coquille River, it is an oasis for migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, Coho salmon, and threatened and endangered species including bald eagle and California brown pelican. Expanded in 1999, the refuge now encompasses 889 acres and is composed of two units: Bandon Marsh and Ni-les'tun.”

Content featured on the Oregon Explorer, "Learn about Places: South Coast Basin" site, information compiled by science writing consultant John Ame.