The 3 Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Oregon

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is not a state known for having many snakes. The state has relatively few snake species and only a couple of venomous species as well. The low number of snake species does not necessarily ensure a person will not see these reptiles in the wild, though. Take a look at the most snake-infested rivers in Oregon and see what species live in and around them.

Many species of snakes live near bodies of water for easy access to food and water. The rivers in Oregon provide a great habitat for snakes throughout their runs, but some rivers attract more snakes than others.

What Snakes Live in Oregon?

Oregon is home to about 15 species of snakes. The majority of them are non-venomous, like the rubber boa or the California mountain king snake. That means they cannot cause a medically significant bite in a human being.

Technically, only two venomous species of snakes are in Oregon. They are the Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) and the Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus lutosus).

The rattlesnakes are certainly the most dangerous snakes that live in Oregon. Although venomous snake bites are rare in the state, they have occurred. One man died in jail from a rattlesnake bite in Warm Springs, Oregon in 1998. His jailers believed that he was under the influence of alcohol, but he was suffering from the effects of the snakebite.

The CDC estimates that anywhere from 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. Due to advancements in snakebite treatments, only about 5 people die annually throughout the country. People who are very young or old are at the greatest risk. While death is the most serious outcome of bites, many more people are disabled as a result of venomous snake bites.  

Generally, it’s a good idea not to harass, handle, or corner any wild animal. In Oregon, though, the most dangerous snakes are the two rattlesnake species. Although they can deliver a warning before biting, they do not always rattle first. Also, rattlesnakes can strike between 1/3 and 2/3 of their total body length.  

Common Snakes Within and Near Oregon’s Rivers

Knowing what snakes live in Oregon, it’s time to narrow the focus on the snakes that live near water. Every terrestrial snake can swim. Still, many species of snakes are considered semi-aquatic. That means they spend significant amounts of time in the water because they obtain most of their food from aquatic animals and insects.

The aquatic garter snake and the western terrestrial garter snake are two species that often live near water sources. However, they do not live exclusively in bodies of water. Instead, they can thrive in a variety of different environments.

These reptiles may be found in any marshy areas, woodlands, and grasslands near water. They can hunt in water or land depending on what is available in the region. They can flee to water when they feel threatened, but neither species is dangerous to humans.

Rattlesnakes can swim, though, and they have no problems traversing rivers and lakes to get where they need to hunt for food. It is possible to encounter a rattlesnake near or within natural waterways.

The Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Oregon

The most snake-infested rivers in Oregon are those that run the longest or simply pass through uninhabited regions with environments that snakes find attractive. We have listed three different rivers that meet the criteria for having a lot of snakes living along their banks or hunting within them.

This list is not meant to scare people away or put them off from traveling in the area. It is meant to educate people about the kinds of snakes that thrive in the area. That way, a person can learn what to expect when they’re in the wilderness.

3. Rogue River

The Rogue River flows in southwestern Oregon for over 200 miles. The waters flow through some very tough terrain complete with scenic areas. People use the river for boating, swimming, and fishing while also hiking along its banks.

A few of the snakes that are found in and around the river include the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Pacific gopher snake, mountain garter snake, western terrestrial garter snake, and many others. The variety of environments that the river flows through, and the abundant animals that live in them, make it a very popular area for snakes to live.  

2. Willamette River

The Willamette River flows for 187 miles and acts as a tributary of the Columbia River. Along its flow, the river has a host of different snakes living in its waters and along its banks. Some of the snakes that a person might find along this river are Northern Pacific rattlesnakes, western terrestrial garter snakes, common kingsnakes, gopher snakes, and several others.

1. Columbia River

The Columbia River is a massive river that flows for 1,243 miles, and it forms the northern border between much of Oregon and Washington. Although the river flows through some highly populated areas, it also flows in some remote places.

Many snakes live along the river and within the river such as the California mountain kingsnake, rubber boas, western yellow-bellied racer, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes, and aquatic garter snakes. That rattlesnake species is the only one with a medically significant bite. This river is the longest in the state, so it is only reasonable that it has the most snakes living in and around it.

Even though these are the most snake-infested rivers in Oregon with the highest populations of snakes in the area by population and species, the rivers should not be avoided. Staying safe around these reptiles is a simple matter of leaving them alone whenever possible. Sometimes, a person may encounter a snake that is somewhat far away. In that case, just walk away; the snake is not going to chase you.

If you accidentally step close enough that a snake can strike, the best thing to do is pause, watch the snake’s reaction, and then slowly move from the area. The chances are good that the snake will flee at the first sign of a person stepping near them, but it can strike if cornered. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, seek immediate medical attention.

Summary of the Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Oregon