Current Use

Depending on what the type of scenery the visitor is seeking, many different locations are accessible for viewing. Some different activities to consider include, scenic vistas, wildlife, history, and water sources. Here is a list of recommended locations to visit:

BLM Dean Creek Viewing Area; Indian Trails; elk trails; early pack trails; CCC roads; Columbus Day Storm roads; Loon Lake; BLM commercial camping; Mill Creek splash dams; riparian vegetation control; Huckleberry Point; Indian Point; ethnobotany; wild flowers;  Tenmile Lakes and Elliott tributaries; tideland channeling; Millicoma Hatchery; Elliott lakefront property; exotic fish management; native fisheries (including eels); Golden and Silver Falls; Millicoma River; Deans Mountain; Silver Creek Old-Growth viewing.

Map 5.1. Map of Scenic Photograph Locations (Oregon Department of Transportation 2017 base).
Options

Scenic Vistas

To seek out scenic vistas, a drive to the highest ridgeline would be best. A logging clear-cut can provide an open space that provides miles of viewing from all around. In certain locations, east of Tenmile Lakes, the Oregon Dunes and beaches can be seen. On a clear sunny day, the quality of sightseeing can increase dramatically. This provides photographers an excellent chance to get long-distance shots. A list of places providing scenic vistas include, Indian Trails, elk trails, early pack trails, Columbus Day Storm roads, and Deans Mountain. 

Fig. 5.2. Elliott Scenic Vistas. (Left) Photo taken from Larson Ridge facing south, by Daniel Patton, April 17, 2018. (Right) Photo taken from Deans Mountain facing west, by Bob Zybach, December 6, 2017.

Water Features

The Elliott contains hundreds of creeks, several rivers and a couple of lakes all available for viewing. Two main waterfalls I would recommend visiting are Gold and Silver Falls. They are located an hour's drive east of Coos Bay. A large lake located Northeast of Coos Bay is called Loon Lake. Travel time from Coos Bay to Loon Lake is approximately one and a half hours. A day fee and a moderate hike can get you to another waterfall, through the Loon Lake campground, that is great for exploring and viewing.

Fig. 5.3. Elliott Area Waterfalls. (Left) Loon Lake Waterfall, June 3, 2018. (Right) Silver Falls, May 22, 2018. Both photographs by Daniel Patton.
   
Wildlife Viewing

There are approximately 209 species of animals located with in and around the Elliott. This includes: 58 mammals, 103 birds, 23 amphibians and reptiles, and 25 fish species. A list of Elliott wild mammals follows; a listing of Elliott birds is included in Chapter 9.

 
Fig. 5.4. Elliott Wild Animals. (Left) Elk from Dean Creek Viewing Area, May 15, 2018. (Right) Snake near Loon Lake, June 3, 2018. Both photographs by Daniel Patton.

Table 5.1. Wild Mammals of the Elliott (Decker et al. 2011: E-5-6).

A reviewable option to generate revenue would be a guided tour of the different sites included in the Elliott State Forest. One tour could be dedicated to the history of the forest. Another could be designed to teach the public about the forest and all its many features. Including: wildflower seeking, fungus finding, and old-growth forest viewing. The activities that require a higher cost to attend, is because an educated guide is needed to provide knowledge and safety during the trip. Potential $310/Day:

Table 5.2. Commercial Elliott Sightseeing Opportunities.

Barriers that could put a halt on this topic would include roads and trails. If the roads are not maintained, then access to the different locations for viewing might not be possible within a day. Hiking to these locations could be possible. Starting in the morning would give more time for travel and exploring. Also, trails need to be cleared and maintained to allow for better access.

Having a map constructed of roads and trails. Then adding user friendly directions and locations of the different features and landmarks on the Elliott.

Installing signage for trail routes.

Having the option of speaking to a park ranger or someone familiar with the forest to give more insight about the different features available.

“Still another factor was that this forest is at once both aesthetically pleasing to most all visitors and economically very productive,” Jerry Phillips (1998: 413).

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