The 33.8-mile Wild and Scenic section of the North Umpqua River offers exciting white water boating. Permits are not required for non-commercial private boats. Commercial outfitters are available for hire. A 5-mile section upstream of Bogus Creek Campground is closed to boating between July 15 and October 31 to minimize conflicts with anglers. Also, between July 1 and the end of October, boating is restricted before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. to lessen conflicts with anglers.
Detailed information regarding white water boating on the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River is available in a brochure entitled “North Umpqua River Recreation Guide,” available from the North Umpqua Ranger District, Colliding Rivers Visitor Center in Glide, and at several boat launches along the river. The brochure provides information on boat launches and various rapids classification found within the Wild and Scenic River. The brochure also covers river etiquette, safety, and information on campgrounds and other recreational opportunities along the North Umpqua River corridor. The rapids of the Wild and Scenic section have been rated following the International Scale of River Difficulty as follows:Class II+ (9 Rapids): Rapids with waves up to 3 feet high; some maneuvering is required to avoid dangerous situations Class III (19 Rapids): Rapids with higher, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages may require complex maneuvering and scouting from shore. Class IV (1 Rapid): Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Scouting from shore. Class V (1 Rapid): Extremely difficult. Life may be endangered in the event of a mishap. The one Class V rapid is deadline falls located within 1/3 mile of Rock Creek and the bottom of the designated Wild and Scenic section. Boaters takeout upstream of deadline falls. Difficulty of the rapids is primarily dependant on water flow levels. Most rapids increase in difficulty with higher water. However, several rapids on the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River become more difficult as the water level decreases.
River flows are available daily from a stream gauge downstream of Steamboat Creek. Flows are available from the Douglas County web site www.co.douglas.or.us The river difficulty ratings do not reflect potentially dangerous conditions that may be present when trees, snags, and slides enter and become part of the ever-changing river. It is your responsibility to scout and familiarize yourself with the sections of the river you are planning to float. There are several runs possible, and the North Umpqua River Recreation guide is an excellent planning tool for first time visitors.Deadline Falls is rated a Class V rapid. Boaters takeout upstream of this falls.
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