Umpqua River (North): Segment 1, Boulder Flat to Horseshoe Bend
This is the upper stretch of the commonly run sections on the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River in central Oregon. It features numerous class 2-3 rapids, surf waves, clear and cold water, and excellent scenery.
FLOW
- USGSGauge: N Umpqua River Abv Copeland CK NR Toketee Falls,or - 14316500
- 750-1,400 cfs: Recommended
- 1,400-2,000 cfs: High runnable
- Gradient: 32 feet/mile
Put-in
- Boulder Flat Campground Boat Ramp: 43.30306731875193, -122.52769583125739, Oregon Highway 138, approximately 50 miles east of Roseburg , Oregon.
Take-out
- Just upstream of Horseshoe Bend Campground: 43.28881309197886, -122.6270990392013, Oregon Highway 138, approximately 43 miles east of Roseburg , Oregon.
On the River
This is a good introductory Class III run for paddlers who are new to Class III as the big rapids are fairly easy. Most of the rapids are solidly Class II. Some of the rapids are fairly challenging with sizable holes and boulder gardens. Much of this run can be scouted from the road. The first Class III drop, Boulder Hole, is generally easy to avoid and otherwise is a class II rapid. There are no other Class III rapids until the end of the run where you encounter Dog Wave and Cardiac Arrest within the last mile. In lower water these may feel like class II rapids. There is an excellent surfing wave under the bridge about halfway into the run that can be accessed from river left. There are countless rocks, eddies, fun drops, and there can be fast current. This is a good warm up for Segment 2, which starts at Horseshoe Bend and is an obvious step up. Segment 1 and Segment 2 can easily be done in one day. Plan for 2-2.5 hours for Segment 1 and 3-3.5 hours for Segment 2.
Notes
- Learn more on American Whitewater's Umpqua, North Soda Springs to Deadline Falls web page: American Whitewater.
- Another excellent source of river information is Soggy Sneakers, 5th Edition, trip #49.
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Suitable Activities: Packrafting
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Class III River
- Length: 7.0 mi
- 1,651 ft
- Land Manager: Umpqua National Forest
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 8
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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