The South Fork Coquille River is the longest tributary of the Coquille River, originating from streams at the base of Mount Bolivar in the Siskiyou National Forest. It winds approximately 63 miles through scenic canyons and valleys before merging with the North Fork at Myrtle Point to form the main stem of the Coquille River.

From there, the Coquille River continues for another 36 miles, eventually emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Bandon. The Coquille River Watershed spans 1,059 square miles, making it the third-largest river system in Oregon that originates from the Coast Range.

Running parallel to the South Fork for about 30 miles, the scenic Powers–Forest Road 33 provides easy access to shady recreation areas. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, gold panning, and rockhounding.

Things to Do along the South Fork Coquille River

Hiking

Hiking in the area of the South Fork Coquille River offers a peaceful escape into one of the Coast Range’s hidden corners. Trails here wind through lush, temperate rainforest, where moss carpets the ground and old-growth trees tower above.

The easy and short trail to Elk Creek Falls provides a scenic detour, leading through thick underbrush to a secluded, multi-tier cascade in a narrow ravine.

For those with more time, the Big Tree Trail, starting from the same trailhead, adds a deeper forest adventure, culminating at one of the largest known Port Orford cedars. Though none of these trails are especially long, they offer rich scenery and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.

However, the most popular trail in the area is the Coquille River Falls Trail, offering a rewarding hike that drops about 500 feet in under a mile.

The trail winds down through the forest with gentle switchbacks and leads to a stunning two-level waterfall, where the South Fork crashes into a canyon next to Drowned Out Creek.

Fishing

Because the South Fork Coquille River is a major spawning area for salmon and steelhead, fishing is prohibited between the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest boundary near Powers and Coquille River Falls.

Swimming

Coquille River and its tributaries offer numerous excellent swimming spots. Water clarity varies from clear to emerald depending on the flow, but it remains clean and cool.

In summer, the water warms up for enjoyable family swims. Other water activities include canoeing and tubing.

Rockhounding

The gravel bars along the riverbanks are productive areas for rockhounding and gold panning. Here, you can find large quartz crystals, agate, jasper, and occasionally carnelian agate, serpentine, and petrified wood.

Always check if rockhounding is allowed at a specific location. Typically, it is not permitted in areas managed by the county. Limited collecting for personal use in state parks and on federal land is often allowed. For up-to-date information, contact the U.S. Forest Service or Oregon State Parks.

Elk Creek Falls & Big Tree Park Hiking

Elk Creek Falls is an easily accessible waterfall along Elk Creek on the South Fork Coquille River, leading to a grotto-like observation site.

The hike to Big Tree Park, which features the world's largest Port Orford cedar tree standing 220 feet tall and over 12 feet thick, is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail rated as moderate.

Elk Creek Falls & Big Tree Trails - A Scenic Hike in the Ancient Forest

Tsu Creek Falls (Squaw)

Tsu Creek flows beneath the bridge on Forest Road 3348 and cascades down as a waterfall. Although there is no designated trail to the base of the waterfall and the view from the road is obstructed, the location offers a sense of hidden beauty.

GPS: N 42°42.762' W 124°01.447' | 42.712706, -124.024121