40 Wild and Scenic Rivers Designated in Oregon
In 1988, PRC took the unprecedented step of crafting the nation’s first large federal river protection act, the landmark Oregon Omnibus National Wild and Scenic River Act of 1988. This Act remains the largest river protection legislation in the nation’s history. It added 40 outstanding rivers totaling 1500 river miles to the National Wild and Scenic River system in Oregon.
In 1988, PRC (then Oregon Rivers Council) took the unprecedented step of crafting the nation’s first large federal river protection act, the landmark Oregon Omnibus National Wild and Scenic River Act of 1988. This Act remains the largest river protection legislation in the nation’s history. It added 40 outstanding rivers totaling 1500 river miles to the National Wild and Scenic River system in Oregon. Seven additional rivers were given “Study” status for future designation.
Segments of the following rivers were added to the system:
- Segment of the North Fork Umpqua protected as a recreational river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Photo by C. Frissell, PRC
Big Marsh Creek
Chetco River
Clackamas River
Crescent Creek
Crooked River
Deschutes River
Donner und Blitzen River
Eagle Creek
Elk River
Grande Ronde River
Imnaha River
John Day River
Joseph Creek
Little Deschutes River
Lostine River
Malheur River
McKenzie River
Metolius River
Minam River
North Fork Crooked River
North Fork John Day River
North Fork Malheur River
North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River
North Fork Owyhee River
North Fork Smith River
North Fork Sprague River
North Powder River
North Umpqua River
Powder River
Quartzville Creek
Roaring River
Salmon River
Sandy River
South Fork John Day River
Squaw Creek
Sycan River
Upper Rogue River
Wenaha River
West Little Owyhee River
White River
