The Siuslaw Bay

Siuslaw Bay, located near Florence, Oregon, is a significant estuarine environment that plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy. The bay is part of the Siuslaw River estuary, which extends for 4 miles from the city of Florence to the Pacific Ocean. This area is renowned for its recreational opportunities, including crabbing, clamming, and fishing, which attract both locals and tourists alike.

Crabbing and Clamming: The Siuslaw River and its estuary offer excellent seasonal opportunities for crabbing and clamming. Areas west of the 101 bridge are particularly noted for their productive crabbing spots and diving locations, such as the North Jetty fish ladder access point and the South Jetty docks. The Florence docks and North Fork flat are also popular for clamming, with softshell clams being the primary catch.

Fishing: Siuslaw Bay is best known for its coho salmon fishing, with the bay and the main stem of the Siuslaw River recording some of the highest fish catches. This makes it a prime location for anglers seeking quality fishing experiences.

Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Siuslaw National Forest offers opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bear, sea lions, pelicans, and American bald eagles. The forest’s varied landscapes, from meadows and rocky headlands to ocean beaches, provide habitats for these species.

Natural Attractions: The Siuslaw National Forest, encompassing the area around Siuslaw Bay, is a treasure trove of natural attractions. From lush forests and cascading waterfalls to the unique Oregon Dunes and rock formations, the forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include the Oregon Dunes, Thor’s Well, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

Economic Shift: The Siuslaw River Estuary’s economy, historically centered on logging and fishing, has been increasingly moving towards tourism. Attractions like the Sea Lion Caves, along with activities such as hiking, scuba diving, and birding, have contributed to this shift. The Three Rivers Casino and Ocean Dunes Golf Course are also notable tourist destinations in the area.

Environmental Sensitivity: Visitors to Siuslaw Bay and its surroundings are encouraged to engage in activities responsibly, considering the environmental sensitivity of the estuary and the need for conservation of its natural resources and wildlife.

In summary, Siuslaw Bay and the surrounding Siuslaw River estuary offer a rich blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and wildlife viewing opportunities. As the area continues to evolve towards a tourism-focused economy, the importance of preserving its environmental integrity remains paramount.

Citations:

[1] https://myodfw.com/articles/where-crab-and-clam-siuslaw-river

[2] https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/siuslaw/recreation/natureviewing/?actid=62&recid=42257

[3] https://oregonisforadventure.com/siuslaw-national-forest/

[4] http://www.clamdigging.info/Siuslaw%20River%20Estuary%201.html

[5] http://www.oregonwild.org/siuslaw-national-forest

[6] https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/boating-jet-boating/siuslaw-national-forest/

[7] https://razorclamming.com/siuslaw-river-estuary/

[8] https://myodfw.com/siuslaw-unit-20

[9] https://thatoregonlife.com/2023/07/the-ultimate-travel-guide-to-oregons-siuslaw-national-forest/

[10] https://oregonexplorer.info/content/siuslaw-watershed

[11] https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/got-dunes-10-surprising-plants-and-animals-found-in-the-siuslaw-national-forest

[12] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g51867-Activities-Florence_Oregon.html

[13] https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/about-forest/about-area/?cid=fsbdev7_007333&width=full

[14] https://www.westernrivers.org/discover/river-of-the-month/siuslaw-river

[15] https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/siuslaw/recreation

[16] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siuslaw_River

[17] https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/florence/

[18] https://www.milebymile.info/Coos%20Bay.html

[19] https://www.siuslaw.org/recreation/

[20] https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/conservation-opportunity-area/siuslaw-river-estuary/

[21] https://jetsettingfools.com/things-to-do-in-florence-oregon/