Winchuck River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winchuck River |
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The Winchuck River
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 Location of the mouth of the Winchuck River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Curry County, Oregon and Del Norte County, California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of Bear and Salmon creeks Curry County, Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon 164 ft (50 m) 42°01′09″N 124°06′20″W / 42.01917°N 124.10556°W |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean Crissey Field State Recreation Site, Curry County, Oregon 7 ft (2.1 m) 42°00′18″N 124°12′55″W / 42.00500°N 124.21528°W |
| Length | 10 mi (16 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 71.3 sq mi (185 km2) |
The Winchuck River is a short river that flows into the Pacific Ocean. It runs through parts of Oregon and California, mostly within the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. The river starts near Elk Mountain and flows west. It reaches the ocean at Crissey Field State Recreation Site, which is close to the border between Oregon and California. The river's name might come from a word meaning windy water or woman.
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Where the Winchuck River Flows
The Winchuck River begins in southern Curry County, Oregon. It forms where Fourth of July Creek and Bear Creek join together. Soon after it starts, Salmon Creek flows into it from the left side. Then, Elk Creek and Deer Creek add their waters from the right.
River's Journey to the Ocean
Further downstream, the Winchuck River gets more water from Moser Creek and the South Fork Winchuck River. Both of these join from the left. The river then leaves Oregon for a short time, flowing through Del Norte County, California. After a short distance, it re-enters Oregon. Just before it reaches the ocean, the Winchuck River flows under U.S. Route 101 in Oregon. A road called Winchuck River Road runs along the north side of the river for most of its path.
Animals and Plants of the Winchuck River
The Winchuck River and its smaller streams are home to many types of fish. These include Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and sea-run coastal cutthroat trout. These fish are important to the river's ecosystem.
Forests and Wildlife
The forests around the Winchuck River have many different trees. You can find Douglas fir trees, Bigleaf maple trees, and madrone trees. These are common in the coastal areas of southern Oregon. Most of Oregon's remaining coast redwood forests are found in the Winchuck River area. These are very tall and old trees.
The watershed is also home to some special animals. These include the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. These birds are important to protect.
Fishing on the Winchuck River
Fishing is allowed in the Winchuck River, but it can be hard to reach some parts, especially closer to the ocean. You are not allowed to fish from boats on the river. However, Winchuck River Road offers places where people can get to the river to fish.
