Whitewater Rafting on the North Umpqua River
Umpqua National Forest is a place of adventure. Whether you are a skilled rafter or you’ve never held an oar in your life, whitewater rafting the North Umpqua River is an unforgettable experience. We’ll review the various segments of the river you’ll have the opportunity to raft, and answer some basic questions everyone has.
We work with Orange Torpedo, our favorite whitewater guides, but we also offer our shuttle service to whitewater rafters.
River Segments to Raft
Since the North Umpqua River flows east to west, we’ll be covering the five river segments in this order.
All river segments are open from July to October from 10AM - 6PM. You should not attempt rafting, swimming, or floating anytime in the off-hours.
Boulder Flat to Horseshoe Bend
Distance: 6 miles
Hours: 2-3 Hours
The easternmost segment is Boulder Flat, which is only five miles away from Umpqua’s Last Resort. This is one of the most popular rafting locations for our guests because of its convenient location. Horseshoe Bend actually takes you closer to our campground. This is a beautiful segment with beautiful rocky spires looming in the distance.
No matter your level of experience, you’ll love this segment. It has five Class II and four Class III rapids, which is thrilling but nothing so scary that you won’t be able to handle it.
Segment Rapids
- Boulder Hole
- Dog Wave
- Cardiac Arrest
- Weird Weir
Horseshoe Bend to Gravel Bin
Distance: 7 miles
Hours: 2-3 Hours
If you want to take off the training wheels (so to speak) and launch headlong into the watery wake, then this is the segment for you. This path has a vertical drop every 30 feet, with several Class III rapids and one thrilling Class IV. You’re going to need a shuttle with us on this ride.
Overall,
this segment isn’t recommended for newbies. Plan accordingly.
Segment Rapids
- Toilet Bowl
- Pinball (Class IV)
- Frogger I and III
- Rollout
- African Queen
Gravel Bin to Bogus Creek
Distance: 5 miles
Hours: 2 Hours
Probably the best segment for newcomers, Gravel Bin to Bogus Creek is primarily used as a fishing location, but has one Class III and five unnamed Class II rapids.
Make sure you know your hand signals to communicate with fishermen, and make sure to share the river with those around you.
Segment Rapids
- Steamboat (Class III)
Bogus Creek to Susan Creek
Distance: 7 miles
Hours: 3-4 Hours
Similar in difficulty to the Boulder Flat to Horseshoe Bend segment, Bogus Creek offers a fairly accessible rafting experience (though the Class IIIs are still difficult).
In the middle of this segment you’ll view a gorgeous waterfall streaming from the emerald rock. It’s a great segment for all.
Segment Rapids
- Burial
- Bathtub
- Island
- Ledges
Susan Creek to Cable Crossing
Distance: 6 miles
Hours: 3-4 Hours
As another easy run of the river, Susan Creek to Cable Crossing is a must-do. There are only two Class III rapids and five Class II ones. Make sure you get out of the river at Cable Crossing, as the river eventually flows to Deadline Falls, an extremely dangerous portion of the river.
Segment Rapids
- Upper Baker
- Baker Falls
Is whitewater rafting dangerous?
Whenever you attempt a thrilling activity like whitewater rafting, there’s a risk you take. Whitewater rafting can be dangerous if you ignore your guide, ignore weather, and ignore the safety rules. So long as you follow all of them, you shouldn’t have a problem when you’re out on the water.
How do I stay safe?
Make sure you wear a lifejacket, helmet, and other protective gear during your river expedition. You can enjoy a casual whitewater rafting adventure even if you can’t swim with this equipment.
Fisherman and Rafter: What to Do
Occasionally, you’ll have reason to communicate with the many fishermen on the North Umpqua River. Whether it’s an emergency situation or a courtesy call, you should be aware of the hand signals people make on the river.
If you have a guide, you may not need to make any of these gestures, but it’s still good to be aware of them.
We hope you know which segment you’re interested in! Book an excursion with Orange Torpedo, our whitewater rafting partners, for great deals and an amazing experience.
Book a trip today!