TUALATIN RIVER

Jenna Lemke: jena.lemke@hotmail.com

As a tributary of the Willamette River, the Tualatin River begins its course in the Tillamook State Forest in the Northern Coastal Range and runs 83 miles to its confluence near West Linn.  The river drains a 712 square mile basin that supports an ever growing population of more than 400,000 residents. Historically, the Tualatin River was a popular vacation destination, but due to common results from human activity, it became one of the most polluted rivers in Oregon.

The Tualatin River has become more of a warmater fishery, supporting species that are more tolerant of warmer temps with lower water quality. There are populations of resident cutthroat and the anadromous Coho salmon.

There have been many attempts over the years to restore and preserve the aquatic habitat of the Tualatin River. Various entities have recognized the issues that plague the river and its inhabitants. As growth and development of residential, commercial, and agricultural land continues though, so do the barriers to proper fish habitat and migration. Erosion and siltation exist from forestry practices in the upper reaches; bank erosion, runoff, and channelization from agricultural practices; pollutants from storm runoff in the industrial and residential areas, are limiting factors to name a few.  There are many concerned citizens in touch with the Tualatin, so perhaps it has a brighter future ahead.