2011 Map of Mercer Lake

About this map

Florence serves as the coastal anchor for this landscape, where the North Fork Siuslaw River winds toward the Pacific through a complex network of coastal lakes and marshy lowlands. The geography is defined by a dense cluster of water bodies including Sutton Lake, Clear Lake, and the expansive, branching Mercer Lake, which is punctuated by the prominent Dowells Peninsula. This terrain reflects a transition from the sea-level flats of Three Mile Prairie to the interior heights of Cape Mountain and Herman Peak. Local infrastructure is sparse but specific to the area's timber and recreation history, featuring sites like Horse Creek Horse Camp and Alder Lake Camp. Genealogists and researchers may find interest in the Haring Cemetery located near the river, or the transitional settlement at Heceta Junction, while landmarks such as The Portage and Funke Bridge provide insight into how residents historically navigated this water-intersected corridor.