The Long Tom River is a tributary of the Willamette River in western Oregon in the United States.
The watershed includes approximately of land (262,000 acres, 1060 km<sup>2</sup>) zoned as 45 percent forest, 30 percent agricultural, 8 public, and 17 percent urban or rural residential. These lands were inhabited by the Chelamela group of the Kalapuya Indians prior to European settlement.
The Oregon Country Fair is one of many groups and agencies that work with the Long Tom Watershed Council to protect and restore the river.
Name
The river's name, Long Tom, developed gradually during the 19th century in imitation of a native tribal group called Lung-tum-ler. The Native American name of this Kalapuyan group is [lámpʰtumpif], literally meaning "spank-his-ass".
The earliest newspaper record of the source of this name was published on December 13, 1849 in the Oregon Spectator newspaper. The article states the origin as:
"Several years ago a man (a trapper I learned) by the name of Thomas Bass was killed on the stream alluded to; being a tall man his comrades named him Long Tom, and the river has borne this name ever since the death of Bass."
Tributaries
Named tributaries from source to mouth are Micheals, Jones, Swamp, Dusky, Hayes, Sweet, Green, and Gold creeks. Then come Noti, Wilson, Indian creeks before the river enters Fern Ridge Reservoir. Hannavan and Inman creeks enter the reservoir as does Coyote Creek. (The topographic map also shows a separate Coyote Creek that leaves the reservoir south of the main Long Tom channel and rejoins it further downstream.) Below the reservoir come Squaw, the second confluence with Coyote Creek, then Lingo Slough, Bear, Amazon, Ferguson, Shafer, and Miller creeks.
See also
- List of longest streams of Oregon
- List of dams and reservoirs in the United States
- List of rivers of Oregon
References
External links
- Long Tom Watershed Council; includes "virtual tour" and aerial photos