[4] The river's relative flatness makes it suitable for canoeing in either direction, although the lower end has no boat launch and the beach nearby is closed between March 15 and September 15 to protect snowy plover nesting areas.

[5] Tyee and the Lodgepole picnic area near the lake have canoe launch points; a small dam just west of Route 101 requires a portage.

A 0.7-mile (1.1 km) self-guided nature trail follows an oxbow bend in the river near Lagoon campground.

[6] The Siltcoos Lake Trail, with a trailhead east of U.S. Route 101 about 7 miles (11 km) south of Florence, is frequented by mountain bikers.

[5][7] Fishing for coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, and largemouth bass is allowed in the upstream stretch of the river between the lake and U.S. Route 101.