South Fork Wenaha River

South Fork Wenaha River
Name origin: Perhaps from a Cayuse language placename[1]
Country United States
State Oregon
County Wallowa
Source Blue Mountains
 - location near Bone Spring, Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness
 - elevation 5,723 ft (1,744 m) [2]
 - coordinates 45°52′32″N 117°56′17″W / 45.87556°N 117.93806°W / 45.87556; -117.93806 [3]
Mouth Wenaha River
 - location Wenaha Forks
 - elevation 2,805 ft (855 m) [3]
 - coordinates 45°57′03″N 117°47′39″W / 45.95083°N 117.79417°W / 45.95083; -117.79417Coordinates: 45°57′03″N 117°47′39″W / 45.95083°N 117.79417°W / 45.95083; -117.79417 [3]
Location of the mouth of the South Fork Wenaha River in Oregon

The South Fork Wenaha River is a tributary of the Wenaha River in the U.S. state of Oregon.[4] The river begins in the Blue Mountains south of Bone Spring in Wallowa County near its border with Union County. From there it flows generally northeast through the Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness of the Umatilla National Forest to meet the North Fork Wenaha River. The combined forks form the main stem Wenaha, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River.[5]

Named tributaries of the South Fork Wenaha from source to mouth are Milk and Trapper creeks followed by Cougar Canyon. Then come Jaussard and Elk creeks.[5]

Recreation

The main path along the South Fork is the Wenaha River Trail, a 31-mile (50 km) route with trailheads at Troy and Timothy Springs. It runs parallel to the main stem between Troy and Wenaha Forks and roughly parallel to the South Fork upstream of the confluence. This trail connects to other wilderness paths: Elk Flat, Hoodoo, and Cross Canyon trails.[6]

The trail system is used by hikers, backpackers, and horse riders. It offers panoramic views, access to fishing, and suitable spots for dispersed camping. It is also remote, involves significant elevation changes, can be extremely hot in summer, and is frequented by rattlesnakes.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Bright, William (2004). Native American Placenames of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. p. 561. ISBN 0-8061-3576-X.
  2. ↑ Source elevation derived from Google Earth search using GNIS source coordinates.
  3. 1 2 3 "South Fork Wenaha River". Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). United States Geological Survey. November 28, 1980. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  4. ↑ Palmer, Tim (2014). Field Guide to Oregon Rivers. Corvallis: Oregon State University Press. p. 291. ISBN 978-0-87071-627-0.
  5. 1 2 "United States Topographic Map". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved January 13, 2016 – via Acme Mapper.
  6. 1 2 "Wenaha River Trail #3106". United States Forest Service. Retrieved January 13, 2016.


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