The Sixes and Elk Rivers

OR: South Coast Region, Curry County, Coast Range, Northern Rivers, Sixes River, Cliff-sided mountains flank the river. [Ask for #277.012.]
Cliff-sided mountains flank the gorge of the Sixes River. [Ask for #277.012.]

Sixes River

The Sixes River flows eastward for 33 miles to end at Cape Blanco, one of the most scenic spots on Oregon's coast. This page looks at its upper reaches, following Sixes River Road for 16 miles. This road has stretches both beautiful and dramatic — and not always at the same time, as this river is highly exploited. You'll drive past both clearcuts and gold mining claims, and there are two BLM recreation areas offering camping, picnicking, and river swimming. The river itself is clear and attractive along its entire length.

OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. Reflections in the river [Ask for #277.005.]


Reflections in the Sixes River. [Ask for #277.005.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. A side stream cascades over rapids [Ask for #277.006.]


One of the Sixes River's side streams. [Ask for #277.006.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. Trees along a side stream [Ask for #277.007.]


Alders along one of the Sixes River's side streams. [Ask for #277.007.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. A mining claim sign. Gold is found in the Sixes River's deposits [Ask for #277.008.]


A mining claim sign. Gold is found in the Sixes River's deposits. [Ask for #277.008.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. The gravel road that parallels the upper stretches of the river runs through a clearcut, giving views. [Ask for #277.015.]


The gravel road that parallels the upper stretches of the river runs through a clearcut, giving views. The public road ends shortly after this, at a gate for private logging lands. [Ask for #277.015.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Sixes River, Sixes River. The gravel road that parallels the upper stretches of the river runs through a clearcut, giving views. [Ask for #277.019.]


View of cliffs along the flanks of Avery Mountain. Sixes River Road can be seen in the bottom right. [Ask for #277.019.]

Elk River

The Elk National Wild & Scenic River passes through a pristine, cliff-lined gorge in the Rogue River—Siskiyou National Forest. The Elk River Road follows the river closely and gives access to numerous recreation areas and river access points. It's also the gateway to two congressionally designated wilderness areas, the Grassy Knob Wilderness and the Copper Salmon Wilderness. The first 18.2 miles are accessible by passenger car, ending at a major intersection with FSR 520 (left). Both roads look good, and neither are. Experienced drivers can continue (right) another 5.6 miles to Laird Lake Recreation Area, a four-space campground on a tiny lake. Beyond this it's jeep only.

OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. A small waterfall on a side stream [Ask for #277.020.]


A small waterfall on one of the Elk River's side stream. [Ask for #277.020.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. Cliffs plunge into the clear waters of the Elk River, as it runs through a gorge. [Ask for #277.021.]


Cliffs plunge into the clear waters of the Elk River, as it runs through a gorge. [Ask for #277.021.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. Cliffs plunge into the clear waters of the Elk River, as it runs through a gorge. [Ask for #277.023.]


The Elk River passes beneath sheer cliffs. [Ask for #277.023.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. River rocks extend into the river at a gravel bar [Ask for #277.026.]


River rocks extend into the Elk River at a gravel bar. [Ask for #277.026.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. River rocks extend into the river at a gravel bar [Ask for #277.027.]


River rocks extend into the river at a gravel bar. [Ask for #277.027.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Elk River. River rocks extend into the river at a gravel bar [Ask for #277.028.]


Rapids form a transitory dam on the Elk River. [Ask for #277.028.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Butler Bar Campground. The river runs through a cliff-sided gorge [Ask for #277.030.]


The Elk River runs through a cliff-sided gorge at Butler Bar Campground. [Ask for #277.030.]
OR: Curry County, Coast Range, Elk River, Butler Bar Campground. A cliff sided gorge empties into gravel bars; the campground fronts on the flats. [Ask for #277.033.]


A cliff sided gorge empties into gravel bars at Butler Bar Campground. The campground fronts on the Elk River at these gravel bars. [Ask for #277.033.]
OR: South Coast Region, Curry County, Coast Range, Northern Rivers, Sixes River, Sixes River and Elk River [Ask for #990.154.] 
BlogPacifica.Com
Exploring the Pacific Coast

e-mail:   jim@blogPacifica.com
Copyright ©2023, James A Hargan. All rights reserved.
All maps created using data from DeLorme Topo North America® v9.0, ©2010 DeLorme® (www.deLorme.com)
Contact the webmaster at maven@harganonline.com