Coquille River Falls RNA

Coquille River Falls Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent virgin old-growth Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) forest. A rugged canyon lies inside the RNA boundaries with moderate to steep slopes. The south fork of the Coquille River and numerous other streams run through the southern section of the RNA. Spring and seep areas are common throughout the RNA while many cliffs and rock outcrops are common along the river. Port Orford cedar and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are the dominant tree species. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), grand fir (Abies grandis), sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), and Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) are also present. Hardwoods found in the area include red alder (Alnus rubra), tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus), golden chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla), and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii). Successional trends suggest that western hemlock and possibly tanoak will eventually replace Port Orford cedar and Douglas-fir within these forests.