Many acres of wetlands around the lower river stem were drained to create farm fields. The river is a system of contrasts. It's headwaters are clear and clean with cascades, riffles, pools and downed woody debris. They fall through a mixture of managed forest and upland pasture. The lower stem is straight and smooth, riprapped and dirty.
Some local farmers fear for the health of their cattle, which drink from the stream.
The river also has a rich cultural heritage, which is mostly hidden. The Kalapooian, a local indian tribe that inhabited the valley, spent their summers along the banks of the lower Long Tom, collecting Camas and other indigenous food. In the winter, when the lowlands were wet, they would migrate upstream to drier ground. Several winter and summer sites have been found beside the river. Two of these ancient camps are seasonally inundated by Fern Ridge Reservoir's fluctuating water levels.