South Fork Coquille River: Exploring the Scenic Beauty of the Oregon Coast

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 meanders approximately 63 miles through canyons and valleys before merging with the North Fork at Myrtle Point to form the Coquille River.

The Coquille River then continues for 36 miles, emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Bandon. The Coquille River Watershed covers 1,059 square miles, making it the third largest river system in Oregon originating from the Coast Range.

The scenic Powers/Forest Road 33 runs alongside the South Fork Coquille River for 30 miles, providing convenient access to shaded recreation areas. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, gold panning, and rockhounding.

Hiking

The most popular are hikes to Coquille River Falls, Elk Creek Falls, and Big Trees Park. The two last attractions start from the same trailhead.

Fishing

Fishing is not allowed on the South Fork of the Coquille River between the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary 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.

Hike to Elk Creek Falls

Myrtlewood Grove Campground

This beautiful primitive campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering five sites along the river in a shaded myrtle grove.

Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit. The area features a mix of pebbles, boulders, and rock formations, with depths and shallows, rapids, and calm water. Between two river bends lies a small, beautiful swimming hole. The campground has a vault toilet but no drinking water, and both day-use and camping are free.

GPS: N 42°47.151' W 124°01.440' | 42.78585, -124.024