North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River | |
Map Size: | 300 |
Pushpin Map: | USA Oregon |
Pushpin Map Size: | 300 |
Pushpin Map Caption: | Location of the mouth of the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River in Oregon |
Subdivision Type1: | Country |
Subdivision Name1: | United States |
Subdivision Type2: | State |
Subdivision Name2: | Oregon |
Subdivision Type4: | County |
Subdivision Name4: | Lane |
Source1: | Waldo Lake |
Source1 Location: | Cascade Range |
Source1 Coordinates: | 43.7669°N -122.0531°W |
Mouth: | Middle Fork Willamette River |
Mouth Coordinates: | 43.7583°N -122.5242°W |
Mouth Elevation: | 1033feet |
The North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River as it is officially named but frequently called North Fork of the Willamette River or North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River has its headwaters at Waldo Lake and flows into the Middle Fork Willamette River northwest of Oakridge. In the first 3miles below Waldo Lake, the river drops 2400feet in 34 separate waterfalls through diverse natural plant life and old growth forest.[1]
The river has Oregon's longest covered bridge crossing it at Westfir, the Office Bridge.[2] Portions of the river were designated wild and scenic in 1988.[3] [4] The portion from Waldo Lake to 1miles upstream from Westfir is designated scenic by the State of Oregon[5] and is known for its native trout by fly fishermen.[1]
The river above Westfir is rated as class 3-4 (5) whitewater. Recommended flow range is 500cuft/s3000cuft/s.[6]