South Fork Coos River facts for kids
The South Fork Coos River is a river in Oregon, United States. It flows into a bigger river called the Coos River. The South Fork Coos River is about 32 miles (51 km) long. It starts in eastern Coos County, near the border of Douglas County. This river begins where the Williams River and Tioga Creek meet. It then flows mostly northwest through the Southern Oregon Coast Range mountains.
Near the city of Coos Bay, the South Fork Coos River joins the Millicoma River. Together, they form the Coos River. The Coos River is only about 5 miles (8 km) long. It flows into Coos Bay, which then connects to the Pacific Ocean. The name "Coos" comes from a Native American tribe that lived near Coos Bay.
Quick facts for kids South Fork Coos River |
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 Location of the mouth of the South Fork Coos River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Coos |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of the Williams River with Tioga Creek eastern Coos County, Southern Oregon Coast Range 507 ft (155 m) 43°19′04″N 123°48′32″W / 43.31778°N 123.80889°W |
| River mouth | Coos River downstream of Dellwood 13 ft (4.0 m) 43°22′39″N 124°05′57″W / 43.37750°N 124.09917°W |
| Length | 32 mi (51 km) |
Where Does the River Flow?
The South Fork Coos River starts by flowing north through thick forests. Along the way, a smaller stream called Mink Creek joins it from the left side. About 3 miles (5 km) further downstream, the river turns west. Here, Fall Creek flows into it from the right side.
As the river continues, Coal Creek and Fannin Creek join from the left. Elk Creek then enters from the right. The river then turns south. Rock Crusher Creek and Burma Creek join from the left when the river is about 20 miles (32 km) from its end. After this, the river turns west again, and Cox Creek enters from the left.
The river then turns north once more. Big Creek joins from the right. The river then winds its way west. East Creek and West Creek enter from the right, and Salmon Creek joins from the left. This is about 9 miles (14 km) from where the river meets the Coos River.
Further along, McKnight Creek flows in from the right. The river then reaches the community of Dellwood, which is on the right side of the river. Bessey Creek enters from the right, followed by Rogers Creek from the right. This is about 4 miles (6 km) from the river's mouth. Morgan Creek then joins from the left.
Finally, the South Fork Coos River flows under Landrith Bridge and South Coos River Lane. It then meets the Millicoma River to form the Coos River. South Coos River Lane runs along part of the river near Dellwood. Other parts of the river can be reached by logging roads.
Fun Activities on the River
The South Fork Coos River is a great place for fishing. Many types of fish live here, including shad, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and coastal cutthroat trout. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has a special place near Dellwood where they raise steelhead trout. This is called a hatchery.
If you want to fish along the upper part of the river, you might need a permit. This area is owned by a timber company called Weyerhauser. Below Dellwood, where the river's tide begins, you can fish from the riverbank near Daniels Creek. People with boats can fish along the entire lower part of the river.
Some people enjoy Whitewater boating on a 6.1-mile (9.8 km) section of the river. This part starts about 12 miles (19 km) upstream from Dellwood. Since Weyerhauser owns the land here, boating is only allowed on weekends.
