North Umpqua Trail
With over 79 miles of green trails, steep hills, and thrilling waterfall views, the North Umpqua Trail is arguably the best hiking you’ll find in Umpqua’s National Forest. If you love backpacking or long hikes, there should be nothing stopping you from enjoying this breathtaking trail.
While hiking is certainly the main draw here, nothing is stopping you from mountain biking, birding, or even horseback riding while you make your way through the forest.
We at Umpqua’s Last Resort want to help you plan the perfect hiking experience during your stay, and here’s how we’ll do it!
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Yes, but make sure to take a leash. Some areas your pup will be okay without it, but there are leash-required sections of trail.
North Umpqua Trail Shuttles
Umpqua’s Last Resort has partnered with Oregon Mountain guides to resolve your transportation woes!
The fact that you need to walk back to your car or truck after a long day of hiking (especially when hiking something as intimidating as the North Umpqua Trail) can be a huge annoyance on your vacation. It limits the amount of time you can explore, and makes you more exhausted.
Shuttle Prices
For a fixed fee, we at Umpqua’s Last Resort will move your vehicle between any two trailheads. You can explore the forests and mountains feeling assured that your car will be at the neighboring trailhead.
Call us at 541-498-2500 to discuss options and book a shuttle! The cost is $150 - 225 depending on group size, vehicles, and any other add-ons you might want to include.
Meal Plans
If you are interested, we also provide you with a meal package with food that will keep your energy up while you trek through the timber.
Each meal plan is $60 per person. While it is an additional charge, it is a great value for the avid backpacker who isn’t planning to return to camp every night.
North Umpqua Trail Segments
The North Umpqua Trail is broken up into 11 distinct sections. Umpqua’s Last Resort is in the middle of the Marsters segment—right in the middle of the trail.
Be aware that some of the trails may be closed due to wildfire concerns.
Don’t feel that you need to hike the entire thing—even if you are a professional backpacker. Instead, it’s better to take the journey one segment at a time.
We’ll be heading west to east in this guide. Follow along below!
Tioga
Length: 14.3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2742 feet
Starting off, you have a doozy of a hike. Not only is it steep and a great distance, but it’s also been most impacted by forest fires. Many people prefer biking this trail, but it’s still a great hiking experience. Dogs are allowed to roam around without a leash in some parts of the trail!
Mott
Length: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 472 feet
One of the shorter trails in Umpqua Forest. People have loved the river views and how well-marked this trail is.
Panther
Length: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 843 feet
This is a great trail for families and casual hikers. It’s short compared to many of the other sections, and it’s not too far from Umpqua’s Last Resort, so it’s a fairly good option if you are hoping to book a shuttle.
Calf
Length: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 708 feet
If you are looking to escape into nature, this might not be the best hiking option since it’s so close to the road. It’s still a fun, short hike with some great views.
Marsters
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 757 feet
You’ll find excellent views of the river, you’ll have an opportunity to cross a bridge, and you’ll be surrounded by trees and rock formations. What’s not to love? Also, this is the trail that is closest to Umpqua’s Last Resort.
Jessie Wright
Length: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 685 feet
For those seeking a bit of isolation, the Jessie Wright Trail is quiet, which may be exactly what you’re looking for!
Deer Leap
Length: 8.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1909 feet
While Medicine Creek Bridge is down, you can still cross the river when the water level is low. If it’s high, you’re going to need to wait or be comfortable getting a little wet.
Hot Springs
Length: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 754 feet
One of the highest-rated hikes on AllTrails, the Hot Springs segment is short, somewhat difficult, and vibrant with many different trees and wildlife to see. It’s easy to see where people are going, and it leads to one of the favorite attractions in the area: Umpqua Hot Springs.
Dread and Terror
Length: 12 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2837 feet
Oh boy! This hike is the big one. Its name suits it perfectly. Avid hikers are a big fan of this one, and herald it as “the crowning jewel of North Umpqua Trail”.
Lemolo
Length: 9.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
A relaxed hike that preps you for difficult sections both of the other ways.
Maidu
Length: 20 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2086 feet
Runs slightly uphill (or downhill) the whole way. It’s more of a walk than a hike, but it does have a lot of great river sites with a minimal number of people.