The topographically rugged Port Orford Cedar RNA lies about 18 miles south of State Highway 42 in Coos County, Oregon. Steep slopes characterize the areas along Johnson Creek and the Coquille River, which comprise the northern and eastern borders the RNA, respectively. Two smaller streams also lie within the RNA's boundary. Occasional benches and some broad ridges can also be found in the area. Elevations range from 259 m. along the streams to almost 760 m. on the ridgetop in the southeast corner of the tract. Most of the area lies within the Port Orford Cedar Zone. Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are the dominant tree species, and many of these trees are thought to be 400 to 500 years old. Grand fir, western hemlock, western red cedar (Thuja plicata), sugar pine, western white pine (Pinus monticola), and Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) are also present. In addition, hardwoods, such as tanoak (Lithocarpus), golden chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla), and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), are widespread. Typical stands have a dense understory of shrubs and small trees. The wet benches and swales in the area are dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra), Oregon ash, and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). Approximately 3 ha along the western edge of the area were accidentally clearcut in the mid 1950's.

Township/Range/Section:

Sec 35, part of the E1/2 of sec 34, part of sec 26, and part of sec 36, T32S, R12W.

Latitude:

42,45N

Longitude:

124,05W

Quad Map:

15' Powers and 15' Agness (1955 for both) - scale 1:62,500.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

The introduced root pathogen Phytophthora lateralis can be found attacking some of the Port Orford cedars. The pathogen is invariably fatal to the cedar.

Plant Communities:

Established as an example of old-growth Port Orford cedar and Douglas fir forests. Cover types include: Port Orford cedar-Douglas fir, and Douglas fir. Habitats include: watered slopes, seep areas, shallow rocky soil, serpentine areas, wet benches and swales. The RNA is geologically complex, thus accommodating a wide variety of plant communities.

Aquatic Features Present:

Two small streams - Jim Hayes and Fall Creeks - lie mostly within the RNA. The South Fork Coquille River borders the eastern side of the RNA and Johnson Creek borders the northwestern side. These produce watered slopes, seep areas, wet benches and swales.

Soils:

Most soils tend toward Reddish-Brown Lateritics, Brown Podzolics and Lithosols.

Other Physical Features:

The area ia geologically complex.

Past Disturbance History:

Other Comments:

Access is difficult involving either bushwhacking or wading