South Fork Wenaha River

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South Fork Wenaha River
Name origin:Perhaps from a Cayuse language placename [1]
Country United States
State Oregon
County Wallowa
Source Blue Mountains
 - locationnear Bone Spring, Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness
 - elevation5,723 ft (1,744 m) [2]
 - coordinates 45°52′32″N117°56′17″W / 45.87556°N 117.93806°W / 45.87556; -117.93806   [3]
Mouth Wenaha River
 - locationWenaha Forks
 - elevation2,805 ft (855 m) [3]
 - coordinates 45°57′03″N117°47′39″W / 45.95083°N 117.79417°W / 45.95083; -117.79417 Coordinates: 45°57′03″N117°47′39″W / 45.95083°N 117.79417°W / 45.95083; -117.79417   [3]
USA Oregon location map.svg
Red pog.svg
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]

Wenaha River river in the United States of America

The Wenaha River is a tributary of the Grande Ronde River, about 22 miles (35 km) long, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The river begins at the confluence of its north and south forks in the Blue Mountains and flows east through the Wenaha–Tucannon Wilderness to meet the larger river at the small settlement of Troy. A designated Wild and Scenic River for its entire length, the stream flows wholly within Wallowa County.

U.S. state constituent political entity sharing sovereignty as the United States of America

In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are currently 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory and shares its sovereignty with the federal government. Due to this shared sovereignty, Americans are citizens both of the federal republic and of the state in which they reside. State citizenship and residency are flexible, and no government approval is required to move between states, except for persons restricted by certain types of court orders. Four states use the term commonwealth rather than state in their full official names.

Oregon State of the United States of America

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho. The parallel 42° north delineates the southern boundary with California and Nevada. Oregon is one of only three states of the contiguous United States to have a coastline on the Pacific Ocean.

Contents

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]

Troy, Oregon unincorporated community in Wallowa County, Oregon

Troy is an unincorporated community in rural Wallowa County, Oregon, United States at the conflux of the Grande Ronde and Wenaha rivers. Troy is west of Flora on Oregon Route 3 close to the Washington state line. It is known for its excellent river fishing, and has an RV park and two fishing lodges, as well as the Troy Resort, and a restaurant, the Wenaha Bar and Grill. There are no other businesses, and the only services are a public school and a county library branch.

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

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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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