The Elk River contains very important populations of resident native chinook salmon, sea-run cutthroat trout, winter steelhead, and some coho salmon. Perhaps the most remarkable attribute of the Elk River is its outstanding coastal fisheries. The forest stands surrounding the Elk River may in fact contain one of the largest populations of marbled murrelets in the lower 48 states. Within the river corridor and surrounding forest live a plethora of different and unique wildlife species, including the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owls, and bald eagles. The scenic quality of the river corridor draws on these features to create a significant value within the federally protected corridor. The combination of water, color, exposed rock surfaces, dynamic flow, and relatively undisturbed environment creates an interesting and beautiful landscape throughout the year. Upstream, the gorge widens slightly, but the corridor remains very steep. The lower section of the river flows through a steep canyon with exposed rock surfaces, forming an inner-gorge environment. The scenic quality in the river corridor is a result of a combination of the geology, land forms, water and vegetation features. The watershed is representative of the old-growth ecosystems along the southern Oregon coast. The Elk River drainage is valued for its fish, wildlife, clean water, scenery, forests and recreation. The 2-mile segment of the North Fork Elk River from the falls to its confluence with the South Fork Elk River is classified "wild.".The 17-mile segment from the confluence of the North and South Fork of the Elk River to Anvil Creek is classified "recreational.".Designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1988, the Elk River has been given two classifications: The Elk River is in Curry County, approximately three miles north of Port Orford, along the beautiful southern Oregon Coast. During the salmon and steelhead seasons, updated fishing reports are available by calling the Elk River Hatchery at 54. In addition, about 13 miles of private lands below Elk River Hatchery are open for trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon fishing by drift boat. Much of the RRSNF-administered section is closed to angling, but the two miles located below Bald Mountain Creek are open on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Elk River is a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River and supports strong steelhead and salmon fisheries, including a late-arriving run of bright fall Chinook salmon sought after by both gear and fly anglers. The Elk River drains from the Grassy Knob Wilderness and Copper-Salmon Wilderness and empties into the Pacific Ocean north of Port Orford and south of Cape Blanco.
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