The Kalmiopsis and the Wild Rivers Coast
The Kalmiopsis is a rugged, geologically unique range of low elevation mountains located a little inland from Oregon and California’s Wild Rivers Coast on the Siskiyou National Forest. While legendary for its rare plants, the Kalmiopsis is best known for its wild rivers and creeks. It’s home to some of the last best native salmon and steelhead streams south of the Olympic Peninsula. They include: the National Wild & Scenic Illinois, Chetco and North Fork Smith Rivers—plus five U.S. Forest Service Eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers: Rough and Ready Creek, Baldface Creek, Canyon /Josephine Creeks, Silver Creek and Indigo Creek.
Millions of years ago the mountains and rivers of the Kalmiopsis acted as a climate refuge. They can again—if we take care of them. The principle threat to the creeks and rivers of the Kalmiopsis, and a half century of conservation, is metal strip mining. To protect a river, we must protect its watershed. Join us in working to protect the rivers of the Kalmiopsis and Wild Rivers Coast.
