Siuslaw National Forest

About Siuslaw National Forest

Siuslaw National Forest is a very diverse and productive region stretching along the Oregon coast from Tillamook to Coos Bay. The forest covers an area of 2.5 million hectares and is home to more than 1,000 plant and animal species.

Siuslaw National Forest borders Willamette Valley and is home to a number of coastal properties along the Oregon coast, from Tillamook to Coos Bay. The forest is located in a mountain range that stretches from north to south from the Columbia River to northern and central California. It offers impressive views west of Corvallis overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Abundant rainfall and mild winters provide growing conditions for a variety of plant species. Four major rivers flow from the Siuslaw National Forest into the Pacific Ocean, the Nestucca, the Alsea, the Sius Law and the Umpqua, which provide excellent habitats for anadromatic fish. Many other small streams and tributaries complement The annual salmon and steelhead routes lead to their ancestral spawning grounds.

The robust Sitka Spruce thrives best in mild temperatures, wind and thick fog, where coastal influences deter other vegetation. The Alpe di Siusi is the highest elevation of all national forests in the USA and the second highest in Alaska. A combination of high altitude, high rainfall and mild winters makes it unique among other state forests.

When Douglas fir ripens, hemlock absorbs lead and grows in the shade of trees and on treetops such as Sitka spruce and Douglas fir.

The climate in Siuslaw is best described as that of a Pacific lake, but the zone includes freshwater highlands and upstream habitats that support a wide variety of vegetation, fish and wildlife.

Temperatures are moderate, and a typical summer day on the Oregon Coast can reach the 60s, with fog common. Coastal people often say that September and October are their favourite months of the year due to the dry days and warm temperatures. Summer in Silesia is generally warm and dry, while the cool temperatures on the inland coasts warm up.

Most of the places to stay are chargeable and there are some developed campsites, but usually there is no charge for a one or two day stay. Electricity connections and showers are generally available, while most campsites have water-vaulted cabins with flushing toilets. Some of the campsites usually have a small campsite with a campfire, picnic table and a few other amenities.

While the Forest Service manages the campsites and facilities, daily maintenance is done by a private company. Camping in the forest is only allowed on a limited number of days during the year and only on certain days of the year.

Most campsites are based on the first-come-first-service system, but some popular campsites and group areas are subject to a nationwide campsite reservation system. For more information, contact one of the state forestry offices in Siuslaw or the National Park Service at (888) 762-4357.

The Oregon Coast is experiencing a busy tourist season in May, so reservation time is always a good idea, according to the National Park Service's website.

In the Seiser Nationalwald there are numerous opportunities for recreational fishing, and anglers can catch a variety of fish species as well as small and medium sized fish. Fishing opportunities are also available on the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge and Willamette River Valley. Perch, trout, salmon, mackerel, pike, whitefish, redfish and other species are also available.