North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River |
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 Location of the mouth of the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Lane |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Waldo Lake Cascade Range 43°46′1″N 122°3′11″W / 43.76694°N 122.05306°W |
| River mouth | Middle Fork Willamette River 1,033 ft (315 m) 43°45′30″N 122°31′27″W / 43.75833°N 122.52417°W |
| Type: | Wild, Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River is a beautiful river in Oregon. People often call it the North Fork of the Willamette River. It starts at Waldo Lake, a very clear lake. From there, it flows into the Middle Fork Willamette River. This meeting point is northwest of a town called Oakridge.
In its first 3 miles (5 km), the river drops a lot. It falls 2,400 feet (730 m) through 34 different waterfalls! Along its banks, you can see many kinds of plants. There are also very old trees in what is called an old-growth forest.
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Exploring the North Fork Willamette River
This river offers many interesting features. It is known for its natural beauty and fun activities. You can find a famous bridge and enjoy whitewater adventures.
The Office Bridge: A Historic Crossing
The North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River has a special bridge. It is Oregon's longest covered bridge. This bridge is called the Office Bridge and is located in Westfir. Covered bridges are unique because they have walls and a roof. This protects the wooden structure from weather.
Wild and Scenic River Status
Parts of this river are very special. They were named wild and scenic in 1988. This means they are protected by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system helps keep rivers natural and beautiful. It protects them for everyone to enjoy.
The section from Waldo Lake to about 1 mile (1.6 km) upstream from Westfir is called scenic. This part of the river is famous for its native trout. Many fly fishermen love to visit this area.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
The river above Westfir is popular for whitewater sports. It is rated as class 3-4 (5) whitewater. This means it has exciting rapids.
- Class 3 rapids are moderate. They have irregular waves and require good steering.
- Class 4 rapids are difficult. They have long, powerful waves and require precise handling.
- Class 5 rapids are very difficult. They are long and violent, with big waves and drops.
The best time to go whitewater rafting or kayaking is when the water flow is between 500 to 3,000 cubic feet per second (14 to 85 m3/s). This range makes for a fun and safe adventure.
