Marys River (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marys River |
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Marys River near mouth in Corvallis
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 Location of the mouth of Marys River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Benton |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of East Fork Marys River and West Fork Marys River near Summit, Benton County, Oregon 659 ft (201 m) 44°39′24″N 123°33′39″W / 44.65667°N 123.56083°W |
| River mouth | Willamette River Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon 207 ft (63 m) 44°33′20″N 123°15′41″W / 44.55556°N 123.26139°W |
| Length | 40 mi (64 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 310 sq mi (800 km2) |
Marys River is a 40-mile (64 km) long river in Oregon, United States. It is a branch, or tributary, of the larger Willamette River. The river starts where its East and West Forks meet near a place called Summit. From there, it flows generally southeast from the Central Oregon Coast Range until it reaches the city of Corvallis.
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What's in a Name?
The exact reason for the name "Marys River" is a bit of a mystery. People started using the name as early as 1846. There are two main stories about how the river got its name.
Stories Behind the Name
One story says that an early settler named Adam E. Wimple named the river after his sister, who was also named Mary. Another story suggests that Wayman St. Clair named the river for Mary Lloyd. She was said to be the first white woman to cross the river. St. Clair was a representative for Benton County in the local government in the early 1850s.
Town Name Changes
In 1847, Joseph C. Avery started planning a town where Marys River meets the Willamette River. This new town was first called Marysville. However, in 1853, the local government changed the town's name to Corvallis. This name comes from Latin words that mean "heart of the valley."
Before settlers from Europe arrived, fur traders sometimes called Marys River "Mouse River" or "Mice River." It is also likely that the nearby mountain, Marys Peak, was named after the river itself.
The River's Journey
Marys River begins in western Benton County. Its source is about 659 feet (201 m) above sea level. By the time it reaches its mouth, it has dropped about 452 feet (138 m) to an elevation of 207 feet (63 m).
Where the River Starts
The main part of Marys River forms where the East Fork Marys River and the West Fork Marys River join together. This starting point is about 40 miles (64 km) from where the river ends. It is located north of Marys Peak in the Central Oregon Coast Range. The West Fork Marys River is about 6 miles (10 km) long. The East Fork is about 5 miles (8 km) long.
Flowing Through the Landscape
From its source, the river flows south. It runs along the east side of Marys River Road. It passes the small community of Summit and goes under Oregon Route 180. The river then turns southeast. It flows just south of Route 180 and receives water from Devitt Creek.
Next, the river reaches the community of Blodgett. Here, it crosses under U.S. Route 20. Soon after, it is joined by Norton Creek and the Tumtum River. The river then turns south and then east. It passes the community of Harris and then Wren. Near Wren, it turns north, crosses under Route 20 again, and then turns east. It receives Gellatly Creek and La Bare Creek before passing under Oregon Route 223.
Towards the Willamette River
East of Route 223, Read Creek joins the river. Then Blakesley Creek flows in. The river then makes a sharp turn south. About 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from its mouth, it flows under Route 20 for a third time. Woods Creek joins it here, and the river turns southeast.
It then passes under Oregon Route 34 at the community of Flynn. Here, Greasy Creek adds to its flow. Marys River continues southeast past Philomath. A United States Geological Survey (USGS) station measures the river's flow here.
About 5.5 miles (8.9 km) from its mouth, Muddy Creek joins Marys River. The river then turns northeast toward Corvallis. In Corvallis, it flows past Marysville Golf Course and Avery Park. It also receives water from Dunawi Creek and Oak Creek. Finally, Marys River flows under Oregon Route 99W and enters the Willamette River.
