The Siuslaw Estuary Water Trail
Where the river meets the sea, interesting things happen. These unique areas, called estuaries, are trapped between fresh water and salt water, and subject to the influences of both. The rich sediment, nutrients, and tides create a fascinating zone of life in motion, and among the most productive natural habitats in the world. The best way to explore an estuary is in a kayak or canoe and a great place to go is along the Siuslaw Estuary Water Trail – 30 miles of beauty and wildlife between Mapleton, Oregon and the Pacific Ocean.
(Not a water traveler? The 15-mile North Fork Biking Loop is accessible year round to mountain bikers. website)
Five segments with varying lengths and degrees of difficulty give you lots of choices. The good folks at Siuslaw Water Trail offers trails descriptions, free maps and safety tips – particularly important when dealing with the changing ocean tides. Here’s a fantastic day trip they recommend for bother beginner and experienced paddlers.
North Fork Loop
Start your paddle from Bender Landing County Park and float with the tide to Old Town Florence. You will follow the peaceful river currents past the heron rookeries, resting harbor seals, the historic village site of the Siuslaw Indians, under the North Fork Bridge and on to Florence. Bear in mind, what goes downstream must go back up. Plan on parking a shuttle in Florence for one-way trip.
Photos courtesy of Siuslaw Water Trail
Travel Information
Eugene, Cascades & Coast website
Old Town Florence
Stay, Shop and Eat & Play website
Free Maps and Trail Information
Siuslaw Water Trail website
Preservation and Protection
Siuslaw Watershed Council website
Further Reading
Sondra Holtzman takes an inspiring exploration via kayak from Fernridge Dam (east of Eugene) to Eel Lake on the Oregon Coast. website
