The 202 ha Coquille River Falls RNA occupies a topographically rugged canyon area in Coos County, Oregon. Slopes are moderate to very steep, except for a few benches along forest road 321, which partially bounds the RNA. The south fork of the Coquille River, as well as numerous other streams, runs through the southern section of the tract. Spring and seep areas are common in the natural area, and many cliffs and rock outcrops are found along the river. Elevations range from 305 to 760 m. The area is in the Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) zone, and Port Orford cedar and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are the most important tree species comprising 22 and 69 percent of timber volume. 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), golden chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla), and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii). Successional trends are toward replacement of Douglas fir and Port Orford cedar by western hemlock, and possibly tanoak in some stands. Old growth stands are concentrated south of the Coquille River, while younger, second growth stands are found on relatively poor sites to the river's north. The most disruptive influence in the RNA has been the invasion of an exotic root pathogen, Phytopthora lateralis, which is fatal to Port Orford cedar. A trail traverse through a portion of the RNA.

Township/Range/Section:

Portions of sec 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21, T33S, R11W.

Latitude:

42,44N

Longitude:

124,03W

Quad Map:

15' Agness - scale 1:62,500 - 1954.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

Invasion of the exotic root pathogen Phytophthora lateralis, which is fatal to Port Orford cedar. In 1966 the pathogen was not known to be present; in 1968 there were dying Port Orford cedars common along Rd 321 and extended down the drainages north of this road. This follows the typical pattern of invasion. In 1970 47% of the Port Orford cedar volume was in snags and down trees in contrast to 16% in the nearby, but not yet infested, Port Orford Cedar RNA.

Plant Communities:

Examples of virgin old-growth Port Orford cedar stands. Port Orford cedar-Douglas fir community found in forested areas. Red alder/swordfern in small areas. Specialized habitats include stream and streamside areas, and rock cliffs.

Aquatic Features Present:

Stream and streamside areas - the South Fork of the Coquille River and numerous other streams such as Squaw and Drowned Out Creek flow through the southern part of the RNA. Spring and seep areas are also common.

Soils:

Soils vary greatly in depth throughout the area. On better sites, Reddish-Brown Lateritics with 5- to 10- cm thick A1 horizons. Along the Coquille River, Brown Podzolic or Lithosolic types may be encountered.

Other Physical Features:

Cliffs and rock outcrops very common along the Coquille River.

Past Disturbance History:

Other Comments:

Access by forest road and trail