Whitewater Rafting Mile-by-Mile River Guide
Umpqua River Rafting Guided Trips
River Description / Natural History
The Umpqua river is also very popular with anglers and the Forest Service has established a few restrictions on boating to protect the best fishing areas. From July 1 through October 31 boat access is limited from 10 am to 6 pm on all sections, and the 5-mile section between Gravel Bin and Bogus Creek is closed to boating from July 15 through October 31. A copy of the guidelines can be obtained at the North Umpqua Ranger District in Glide, OR.
The access to the 7-mile section from Boulder Flat to Horseshoe Bend is at Boulder Flat Campground which is approximately 50 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138. This section of river is characterized by swiftly moving water, moderate sized waves with rocks and other obstacles. The rapids are typically Class II and III with several spots with large holes and big waves. Just below the second bridge a rocky ledge spans much of the river with a narrow chute along the right bank. At low flows this may be the only runnable spot and is also a potential spot for lodged debris and should be scouted.
The next section is from Horseshoe Bend to Gravel Bin Boat Launch and access can be from any of the wide spots along the road near Horseshoe Campground. This section is 8 miles in length and offers Class III and IV rapids which are described as pool-drop. Several rapids required intricate manuevering around rocks and holes, especially Pin Ball Rapid (IV) which is located about 0.3 miles below the bridge below Apple Creek Campground. The best takeout is just below Island Campground.
The Gravel Bin to Cable Crossing is characterized by some of the biggest rapids on the North Umpqua, but not as technically demanding as the rapids encountered above. These rapids are separated by longer flat stretches. The best access is just below Island Campground or at Bogus Creek Campground. At Steamboat Inn begins an exciting rocky rapid in the left channel with a sometimes runnable falls in the right channel. Six miles below Steamboat is Wright Creek Bridge with Bathtub Rapid (IV-) a quarter mile below. At low water Bathtub should be scouted. About a mile downstream is CurlBack, an easier rapid with a standing wave. Small fun drops continue for several miles until Island Rapid (III) which is marked by tall cliffs. Most of the flow here goes right. Several miles below is Sleeper Rapids, marked by a Forest Service Boundary sign. This is a long sweeping turn that ends in a troublesome hole. The are a couple of notable rapids near Susan Creek followed by some flat water. The last bigger rapid is Baker Falls (III-) and the takeout is at Cable Crossing. Do not miss this takeout as there are dangerous rapids just below!