Wood River (Oregon)

The Wood River flows through Klamath County, Oregon with headwaters emanating from a large natural spring located in Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site. The aquifer that feeds the spring is believed to originate to the northwest in the east side drainage of Crater Lake National Park. The Wood River meanders through pine forest and agricultural land for before flowing into Agency Lake. The Wood River's largest tributary is Annie Creek which originates inside the boundary of Crater Lake National Park, and is fed by the park's snowpack as well as groundwater from natural springs. After leaving the park, Annie Creek passes through the Fremont-Winema National Forests and then runs along the western border of Sun Pass State Forest for about a mile. It then crosses private pastureland and is joined by Sun Creek before joining the Wood River, about a mile south of Kimball State Recreation Site. == Watershed ==

The Wood River watershed drains forest land in the Cascade Mountains southeast of Crater Lake and the Wood River Valley. The drainage around its headwaters is forest country dominated by ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine with some quaking aspen in meadow lands. Annie Creek drains steep alpine forest country. From near its headwaters to the border of Crater Lake National Park, the creek has cut a deep canyon through the forest that is a well known feature within the park. After leaving the park, Annie Creek flows into flat meadow lands on the western border of Sun Pass State Forest. Annie Creek also feeds several irrigation canals including Scott Ditch, Shattuck Ditch, Loosely-Streeter-Cardwell Ditch, and Copeland Lateral Ditch. Excess flow from these canals is returned to Annie Creek and the Wood River. The lower Wood River flows through pasture land and ultimately opens into a large marsh before draining into Agency Lake. == History ==

In 1863, the United States Army established Fort Klamath near the Wood River in south central Oregon. Soldiers constructed a sawmill on Fort Creek, and use the lumber it produced to build officers quarters, troop barracks, a guardhouse and arsenal, a small hospital, a bakery, stables, and other structures. To the north of the post, the army planted of grass to supply fodder for it horses and mules. The fort was abandoned in 1889. None of the original buildings remain today. == River habitat ==

The Wood River habitat supports wild, self-sustaining populations of brook, brown, Great Basin redband, and coastal rainbow trout. These species are widely distributed throughout the river system from the headwaters to Agency Lake. Bull trout are native to upper Sun Creek inside Crater Lake National Park. Annie Creek and Sun Creek are extremely important because of the relative rarity of water and riparian habitat in the area. Both creeks are classified as a large, fish-bearing stream under provisions of Oregon Forest Practices Act. This reserves sufficient stream flow to support aquatic life, but does not override the most senior water rights. The waterway provides habitat for river wildlife including beaver, river otter, and muskrats. The river also supports non-aquatic animals. Common animals in the Wood River area include raccoons, gray squirrels, martens, mink, red fox, gray fox, mule deer, bobcats, and black bear. Domestic beef cattle are common in the Wood River Valley. Image:Wood River Valley.jpg|Wood River valley Image:BLM survey team.jpg|Site monitoring team Image:Vegetation survey.jpg|Vegetation survey Image:Crooked Creek Channel.jpg|Healthy channel == Recreation ==

There are several recreation sites along the Wood River. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site has a day-use picnic area and ten campsites. Water activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are available. A short trail connects the main campground to the Wood River's headwaters spring. The park is located just off Oregon Route 62, approximately southeast of Crater Lake National Park, and northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon. At the mouth of the Wood River, the Bureau of Land Management maintains the Wood River Wetland area. The Wood River Wetland is open year round for day use activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bird and wildlife watching, and waterfowl hunting in season. Facilities include a paved parking area, restrooms, picnic areas, nature trails, a canoe launch, and interpretive signs; however, there is no drinking water at the site. Motorized vehicles are not allowed beyond the parking area. During hunting season, the Wood River Wetland opens two hours before sunrise and closes a half-hour after sunset. The entrance to the Wood River Wetland is just off Modoc Point Road, north of Klamath Falls. Wood River offers excellent fishing that can be accessed from the shore or by canoe or kayak. Brook, brown, and Great Basin redband and coastal rainbow trout are found in the Wood River and its tributaries. == References ==