Five Rivers
Name etymologyFor five of the stream's tributaries[1]
CountryUnited States
StateOregon
CountiesLincoln, Benton, Lane
Source 1Central Oregon Coast Range
Source1 locationSiuslaw National Forest
Source1 coordinates44°11′55″N 123°48′33″W[2]
Source1 elevation1,510 ft (460 m)[3]
MouthAlsea River
Mouth locationnear Stoney Mountain
Mouth coordinates44°21′30″N 123°49′37″W[2]
Mouth elevation85 ft (26 m)[2]

Five Rivers is a tributary of the Alsea River in the U.S. state of Oregon, in Lane, Lincoln, Benton counties.[2] The name Five Rivers refers to the relative importance to the stream of five of its tributaries: Alder, Cougar, Buck, Crab, and Cherry creeks.[1]

Geography

Five Rivers meanders generally north through the Siuslaw National Forest from its headwaters in the Central Oregon Coast Range west of Blachly in Lane County. It enters the Alsea River near Stoney Mountain, 25 miles (40 km) from the Alsea's mouth on the Pacific Ocean at Waldport.[4]

The rural community of Paris lies 17 miles (27 km) by river from the mouth of Five Rivers. About 7 miles (11 km) further downstream is another rural community, Fisher, near the confluence of Five Rivers with Crab Creek.[4] Fisher School Bridge, a one-way covered bridge, crosses Five Rivers at Fisher.[1]

Recreation

Five Rivers Launch is a day-use area near the Five Rivers – Alsea confluence and the intersection of Five Rivers Road with Oregon Route 34, which runs along the Alsea. Managed by Lincoln County, the launch includes a gravel boat ramp and a parking area. The launch is only for drift boats such as canoes and kayaks.[5]

Tributaries

Named tributaries of Five Rivers from source to mouth are Prindel, Lord, Summers, Cedar, and Fendall creeks followed by Green River. Then come Crazy, Alder, Cougar, Crab, Buck, and Cherry creeks. Below that are Cascade, Swamp, Lobster, Elk, and Bear creeks.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Five Rivers (Fisher School) Covered Bridge" (PDF). Oregon Department of Transportation. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  2. ^ "Five Rivers". Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). United States Geological Survey. November 28, 1980. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  3. ^ Source elevation derived from Google Earth search using GNIS source coordinates.
  4. ^ "United States Topographic Map". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved January 26, 2016. – via Acme Mapper. The map includes mile markers along the Alsea River and the lower reaches of Five Rivers.
  5. ^ "Five Rivers Launch". Lincoln County Parks. Retrieved January 27, 2016.