These proposed Wild and Scenic Rivers flow from the King Range National Conservation Area and Wilderness, providing important habitat for endangered salmon and steelhead, as well as rare plants. These streams also provide nationally significant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Mattole River Estuary – 1.5 miles
Located in the King Range National Conservation Area, the Mattole Estuary provides important anadromous fish habitat for coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead. Federal officials recently identified the river as essential for the recovery of threatened salmon and steelhead. The estuary also provides habitat for several rare plants. A popular campground and recreation site near the mouth of the Mattole that attracts campers, hikers, hunters, and birders, and provides the northern access point for visitors hiking the Lost Coast Trail. The Mattole River is recommended for protection by the BLM.
Honeydew Creek – 10.6 miles
Honeydew Creek and its tributaries are in the King Range Wilderness. The creek provides suitable stream habitat for anadromous fish and old growth forest habitat for northern spotted owl. Federal officials recently identified the creek as essential for the recovery of threatened salmon and steelhead. Honeydew Creek is recommended for protection by the BLM.
Bear Creek – 11 miles
Bear Creek and its tributaries drain the eastside of the magnificent King Range. The provides suitable habitat for coho salmon and steelhead, as well as old growth forests for northern spotted owl. Federal officials recently identified the creek as essential for the recovery of threatened salmon and steelhead. Significant historic and prehistoric sites are located along the stream and a rare lichen grows there. Campgrounds popular with King Range visitors are located along Bear Creek, which is also the route of the popular Paradise Royale mountain bike trail. Bear Creek is recommended for protection by the BLM.
Gitchell Creek – 3 miles
Located in the King Range Wilderness, this highly scenic stream is part of a unique coastal backcountry backpacking and camping area along the Lost Coast Trail. The stream also provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead. Gitchell Creek is recommended for protection by the BLM.
Big Flat Creek – 7.5 miles
Located in the King Range Wilderness, this highly scenic stream is part of a unique coastal backcountry backpacking and camping area along the Lost Coast Trail. The stream also provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and federal officials recently identified the creek as essential for the recovery of threatened steelhead. Several significant prehistoric sites are located near the stream. Big Flat Creek is recommended for protection by the BLM.
Big Creek – 4.6 miles
Located in the King Range Wilderness, this highly scenic stream is part of a unique coastal backcountry backpacking and camping area along the Lost Coast Trail. The stream also provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and federal officials identified the creek as essential for fish recovery. Big Creek is recommended for protection by the BLM.
