Located near Selma, Oregon, and flowing to it's confluence with the Rogue in Agness, Oregon, the Illinois offers world class whitewater protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Illinois River was added to the National Wild and Scenic River System in October 1984. The 32 mile Wilderness run from Miami Bar to Oak flat is considered class 5 at most flows and is enjoyed by whitewater enthusiasts including private boaters and 3 commercial companies. Backpackers are also excited to hike into the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, and Gold Beach Ranger District's portion of the Illinois River Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail. During winter and spring months, whitewater runs are available upstream of Miami Bar, flows coming in with rainstorm runoff and snowmelt events. During summer months, locals enjoy emerald green swimming holes and popular car camping access along the Illinois River Road. Siskiyou Field Institute, nestled along the Deer Creek tributary, offers field courses and youth programs about our outstanding ecological and geological resources.

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With it's outstanding beauty, many are surprised to learn of the major problems this drainage experiences from human impacts. Upstream bridges and dirt roads are popular places for dumping, including burned RV carcasses, household trash, and tires. High use areas in the car camping zones also contribute incidental buildup of garbage like broken glass, partially burned tin foil, and toilet paper gardens. On previous trips, we have even come across makeshift dams made of tarp and hose for mining as well as giant wads of irrigation tubing from high water events flushing out farm fields upstream. In order to avoid having these items travel downstream, we have been picking up garbage in the upper reaches of the Illinois for years and invite you to join this volunteer event for the official launch in spring 2024.