Wilson River, Mile 15

Depending on which direction you are driving, this secret spot off of Highway 6 can be viewed as the first or last stop along the Wilson River's incredible circuit of first-class swimming holes (first if you are heading east, last if you are heading west).  Often passed up by visitors, mile marker 15 is located on an inconspicuous bend where the Wilson River deepens and slows into an beautiful pool.  Low crowds and sun-kissed rocks on the bank add to the allure, making this stretch of water at mile marker 15 worthy of a stop on a relaxing summer afternoon.

Oregon’s North Coast Forests

The Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests are 45 minutes outside of Portland’s backdoor and one of the state’s best keep secrets. But these forests also have a fraught history with logging, fires and more logging.  They are now 50 to 70 years into the recovery process and offer prime habitat for vibrant communities of fish and wildlife, as well as an immense array of recreational opportunities. The Wilson and Kilchis rivers host globally important runs of Chinook, chum, coho and steelhead. Both forests provide camping, biking, fishing, hunting and hiking grounds for thousands of Oregonians, and they also provide over 400,000 people with clean drinking water.

Wild Salmon Center is a founding member of the North Coast State Forest Coalition, a diverse group of over 100 businesses, governing bodies and nonprofits working to leverage public support to increase forest and streamside protection along the North Coast. These popular and biologically important areas deserve real protection. That’s why we’re asking state and federal leaders to protect 33,000 acres of land around the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers and another 8,000 acres around Kings Mountain.  It’s no easy task ensuring a future for these forests but this is where you can help.

Get Involved

Learn more about the North Coast State Forest Coalition, on their website. Join in the coalition by signing up for their newsletter and signing on to the latest action alerts to protect the Wilson/Kilchis and Kings Mountain.