Best Coastal River to Live On?

[Tuna Tom]

My buddy from Florida is extremely interested in buying some land to either park an RV on or build a small cabin along a "fishy!" river.

He is due to retire from the fire department in about 18 months and would love to have a couple of acres to spend 3-5 months each summer and fish in his front yard.

What is the best river which is fairly close to Portland (where I live), has a great steelhead or salmon run, is in the coastal area, and will be "in the woods" and a great place to kick back and relax?

Basically he is looking for something where he can pour a pad to park an RV and maybe hook up to electricity and water (or not) and have easy access to a river and a short drive to some ocean fishing.

In all of your infinite fishing wisdom, where should he be looking?

We will be driving to the coast this weekend and will probably check out some areas as we run across them.

Any ideas?

Thanks-
Tuna Tom

PS: Dave belongs to a fishing club very much like the Salty Dogs, only they fish for Sword,Yellow fin Tuna, Tarpon, Permit, Bone, etc. I'm sure there could be a "love connection" as local fishing buddies hook up to go fish for speciies they've never caught before.

[WP]

The Siletz has good runs of Steelhead (virtually all year) and a fall salmon run...it is close to Newport and Depoe Bay. The Alsea would be a second choice, at best, for the mid coast.
Tillamook (Garibaldi) has the obvious fall and spring runs and has ocean access but not as consistent as Newport/Depoe Bay. It is also closer to Portland.
There all a number of Columbia tributaries that would fit the bill too. The big river is one of the greatest fisheries in the world...year round! The Ocean is a little scarey though.
Good luck to your friend. I look forward to the time I have this problem! Too many great choices.
Dave

Not as close to Portland but the Umpqua has much to offer.

[Fishmstr]

I second the Siletz. It has a spring run of chinook too. The steelhead fishing is awesome. Plus the proximity to Depoe Bay, the best spot on the coast to fish out of, would be the big seller for me!
I hope I can pull this off at some point. Living on the water and fishing out of my back yard!!!
lat,
steve

[WildHawg]

3 hour drive, but anywhere from about Yellow Creek on down on the Umpqua would be my choice.
Everything the Columbia has to offer and more (ie stripers) while MANY less people.
Better bar too, with a great summer fishery for salmon.
No better place, despite it's distance from your house :grin:

[Gun Rod Bow]

Umpqua or Rogue. Fish all year.

[Beer Waggin]

I'll third the Siletz!
Steelhead year round and one of the best fall Chinook runs in the state. Lots of people fish it, but it's one of the most courteous rivers I've ever fished. (no wakes, no fingers, no yelling, I know it's hard to picture!)