Pistol River

The Pistol River watershed drains approximately 67,275 acres or 105 square miles of land. Pistol River, situated entirely within Curry County, is an average size watershed on the southern Oregon coast. Flowing in a westerly direction Pistol River crosses Highway 101 and drains into the Pacific Ocean about ten miles south of the community of Gold Beach. Elevations in the watershed range from sea level to approximately 4,220 feet on Snow Camp Mountain. Major tributaries include the North Fork, East Fork, and South Fork. The upper portion of the watershed is characterized by steeply sloped forested areas with narrow valleys and tributary streams that have moderately steep to very steep gradient. Grazing, rural residential development and other agricultural uses are dominant in the lower portion of the watershed. Over 55% of the watershed is in public ownership.

Watershed Facts

Land Ownership & Use

57% public ownership, 43% private ownership

Vegetation

92% forest/shrub, <1% impervious, 1% wetland

Watershed Size

67,275 acres or 105 square miles

Hydrology/Flow

2 yr peak flow – 11600 cfs
10 yr peak flow – 19800 cfs
50 yr peak flow – 27100 cfs
100 yr peak flow – 30300 cfs
Average Flow Range (5% – 95% flow durations): 2950 cfs – 16.4 cfs

Fish Use

Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, Pacific lamprey

Did you know?

The Pistol River estuary and nearshore zone is one of the windiest stretches of the Oregon coast, making it famous within the windsurfing community.

Restoration and Education Efforts

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