Devil’s Staircase Wilderness Bill
I know you southern Oregon folks are always looking for new and interesting places to camp, hike and generally explore. Some of our staff members are in love with the Umpqua River area. Truly, they are in love with the scenery, the river, the amount of exploration as well as relaxation that can be found all along the river area over to the coast. That’s why they eagerly brought this little tid-bit to my attention. The U.S Forest Service is endorsing a new wilderness area in the Southern Oregon Coast Range near Reedsport. The area is known as the Devil’s Staircase and features some of the most remote and beautiful waterfalls the area has to offer.
If the bill in Washington passes, the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness would become 30,000 acres of federally protected land and the Wasson and Franklin creeks would be designated as wild rivers.
So far I haven’t heard much grumbling about this proposed bill as it would ensure that this beautiful area sticks around for years to come. Of course it means, camping sites may pop up and require usage fees but it may just be worth it to enjoy those waterfalls.
For more on Devil’s Staircase and the bill check out these sites:
Oregon Wild
Devil’s Staircase Wilderness
Photo courtesy of Dave Tvedt
