South Fork Wenaha River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Fork Wenaha River |
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 Location of the mouth of the South Fork Wenaha River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Wallowa |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blue Mountains near Bone Spring, Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness 5,723 ft (1,744 m) 45°52′32″N 117°56′17″W / 45.87556°N 117.93806°W |
| River mouth | Wenaha River Wenaha Forks 2,805 ft (855 m) 45°57′03″N 117°47′39″W / 45.95083°N 117.79417°W |
The South Fork Wenaha River is a river in the state of Oregon in the United States. It is a smaller river that flows into the larger Wenaha River. This river starts high up in the Blue Mountains.
It begins near a place called Bone Spring in Wallowa County. From there, the South Fork Wenaha River flows generally towards the northeast. It travels through a special protected area called the Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness. This wilderness is part of the Umatilla National Forest.
Eventually, the South Fork Wenaha River meets up with another river, the North Fork Wenaha River. When these two rivers join, they form the main part of the Wenaha River. The Wenaha River then flows into the Grande Ronde River.
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About the South Fork Wenaha River
The South Fork Wenaha River is an important part of the natural landscape in Oregon. It helps create a home for many plants and animals. The name "Wenaha" might come from an old language called Cayuse language.
What Are Its Tributaries?
As the South Fork Wenaha River flows, several smaller streams join it. These smaller streams are called tributaries. They add water to the river.
Some of these named tributaries include:
- Milk Creek
- Trapper Creek
- Cougar Canyon
- Jaussard Creek
- Elk Creek
Fun Things to Do: Recreation
The area around the South Fork Wenaha River is a great place for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy exploring the wilderness here.
Exploring the Wenaha River Trail
One of the main ways to see the South Fork Wenaha River is by using the Wenaha River Trail. This trail is about 31-mile (50 km) long. It has starting points, called trailheads, at Troy and Timothy Springs.
The trail follows the main Wenaha River between Troy and Wenaha Forks. Then, it goes alongside the South Fork Wenaha River further upstream. This trail also connects to other wilderness paths. These include the Elk Flat, Hoodoo, and Cross Canyon trails.
Activities on the Trail
The trail system is popular for different activities. People who enjoy the outdoors use it for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking (camping overnight in the wilderness)
- Horse riding
The trail offers amazing views of the landscape. It also gives access to good spots for fishing. You can also find suitable places for "dispersed camping." This means camping in undeveloped areas, not in a campground.
Tips for a Safe Adventure
The Wenaha River area is beautiful but also very remote. This means it is far from towns and services. The trails can have big changes in elevation, so be ready for uphill and downhill sections.
It can get extremely hot in the summer, so bring plenty of water. Also, it's good to know that rattlesnakes live in this area. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.
