Metolius River
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The Metolius River (pronounced muh TOLL ee us) is a tributary of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon, United States. The river flows north from springs near Black Butte, then turns sharply east, descending through a series of gorges before ending in the western end of Lake Billy Chinook. The unincorporated community of Camp Sherman lies astride the southern end of the river. The name of the river comes from the Warm Springs or Sahaptin word mitula, meaning white salmon and referring to a light colored Chinook salmon and not a whitefish.
The river's drainage basin is Script error: No such module "convert". in area and, according to at least one estimate, contains Script error: No such module "convert". of perennial streams, Script error: No such module "convert". of intermittent streams, 42 lakes, and 121 ponds.[1]
Headwaters
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The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs, where the river emerges from two clusters of springs at the base of Black Butte. Water flows to these springs from the drainage basin around Black Butte Ranch, several miles to the south. The elevation of the drainage basin is Script error: No such module "convert". above that of the springs, forming a natural standpipe that tends to stabilize the river's rate of flow.[2]
As a consequence, the water level in the Metolius River is relatively constant. The rate of flow at the headwaters is approximately Script error: No such module "convert". or 50,000 gallons per minute), although it grows by an additional Script error: No such module "convert". or 600,000 gallons per minute) by the time the river reaches Lake Billy Chinook. Similarly, the water temperature is also stable; at the river source, the water temperature is a consistent Script error: No such module "convert"..[3]
General
The Metolius River flows Script error: No such module "convert". from Metolius Springs through the Deschutes National Forest, emptying into Lake Billy Chinook and ultimately the Deschutes River. The upper Script error: No such module "convert". of the river are popular for catch-and-release fishing, whitewater rafting, picnicking, and camping. The lower Script error: No such module "convert". are on the boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, and flow by "a primitive area where motorized vehicles are not allowed."
The Metolius River was officially designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988.[4][5]
Many of the summer homes along the Metolius River are constructed on United States Forest Service land, under provisions of a 1915 act of Congress, and are generally required to be set back from the river at least Script error: No such module "convert"., allowing public access to the river.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
In 2009, the Oregon legislature passed the Metolius Protection Act, designating 448 acres of the river basin as an "Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC)", preventing large-scale development on the land and protecting its wildlife.[6][7]
Wildlife
The Metolius River supports a broad cross-section of the wildlife present in the Central Oregon region. The river itself is home to several fish species, including rainbow trout, bull trout, kokanee salmon and mountain whitefish. Larger animals including river otters and beaver inhabit the areas in and immediately around the river, and larger land mammals, including mule deer, elk, black bear, and cougar range in the surrounding area.[8] Migratory waterbirds such as the mallard and the Canada goose are common in the spring and summer, as are raptors such as the osprey and the red-tailed hawk. The white-headed woodpecker, generally rare and of interest to many birders, is quite common in several areas along the river.[9]
Recreation
Sport fishing for rainbow trout and bull trout is fly-fishing only on the upper Metolius—and catch-and-release, with barbless hooks. A number of small resorts and shops cater to fishermen and other visitors, principally in the community of Camp Sherman.[4][10]
Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities in the area, particularly on the upper, southern portion of the river, with trails extending up and down the river and into the forests on both sides. There are also a number of developed campgrounds on the banks of the river. Fishing, rafting, hunting and cross-country skiing are all popular seasonal activities.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is about Script error: No such module "convert". north of the headwaters. This hatchery raises rainbow trout, kokanee, and salmon. The hatchery is open to visitors, with various species of trout and other fish on display in ponds.[11]
Coordinates
Coordinates from GNIS list one point per 7.5 minute map. The source and mouth are not repeated here.
| seq num | location | usgs map |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Script error: No such module "Coordinates". | Fly Creek |
| 3 | Script error: No such module "Coordinates". | Metolius Bench |
| 4 | Script error: No such module "Coordinates". | Shitike Butte |
| 5 | Script error: No such module "Coordinates". | Prairie Farm Spring |
| 6 | Script error: No such module "Coordinates". | Candle Creek |
See also
- List of National Wild and Scenic Rivers
- List of Oregon rivers
- The National Forest Foundation's Conservation Plan for the Metolius River
References
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- ↑ Deschutes Subbasin Plan, Northwest Power and Conservation Council
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- ↑ a b "Metolius River, Oregon", Public Land Information Center, Public Lands Interpretive Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2008.
- ↑ “Metolius, Oregon”, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Public Law 90-542 (as amended), 16 United States Code 1271-1287, 8 August 2002.
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- ↑ ODFW Mammals of Oregon
- ↑ Birds of the Metolius Basin, Metolius River Association
- ↑ "Camp Sherman", Metolius Recreation Association, Online Highway.com, Camp Sherman, Oregon, 24 August 2008.
- ↑ Wizard Falls Hatchery, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
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