hiking the north umpqua trail in the umpqua national forest; enjoy camping in the umpqua national forest and hiking trails to waterfalls in the wild and scenic umpqua river watershedt: brice creek waterfalls, moon waterfalls, pinard waterfalls, spirit falls; hiking trails off the Rogue Umpqua Scenic byway on the wild and scenic umpqua river in the umpqua national forest: toketee waterfalls, watson falls hiking trails, fall creek falls, susan creek day use area, susan creek hiking trails, susan creek campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, toketee campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, lemolo campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, diamond lake campgrounds, boulder creek campgrounds, canyon creek campgrounds, umpqua national forest campgrounds, clearwater falls campgroud, island campgrounds, lake in the woods campgrounds, bogus creek campgrounds, apple creek campground, steamboat falls campground, williams creek and eagle rock campgrounds, horseshoe bend and canton creek campgrounds, devil's campground on cow creek, cedar creek campground on brice creek, rujada campground on layng creek, whitehorse falls and clearwater falls campgrounds, susan creek waterfalls, north umpqua river, south umpqua river, umpqua river hiking trails accessed off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, forest service campgrounds, blm campgrounds, cavitt creek recreation area, deadline falls, steelhead in the umpqua river, angling, hiking trails to lemolo waterfalls, clearwater waterfalls, whitehorse waterfalls, clearwater river, toketee lake, umpqua hot springs, steamboat creek waterfalls, warm springs waterfalls, lemolo lake; hiking trails on the little river in the umpqua river watershed in the umpqua national forest: wolf creek waterfalls, grotto falls, hemlock waterfalls, hemlock lake, cavitt creek waterfalls, recreation area, shadow waterfalls, yakso waterfalls; hiking trails on the south umpqua river watershed: south umpqua waterfalls, campbell waterfalls, hiking trails in theboulder creek wilderness area, hiking trails in the mt thielsen rogue umpqua divide wilderness area, cathedral waterfalls off the south umpqua river; hiking trails in the row river watershed: moon, spirit and pinard waterfalls.
Hiking Trails on the Wild and Scenic Umpqua River

The north Umpqua River hiking trail begins east of Idleyld, Oregon at the Swiftwater Trailhead. The trail runs the length of the river, 79 miles. The trail heads east into the Cascade Mountains, ending finally at the river's headwaters, Maidu Lake. The trail intersects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail east of Maidu Lake, approximately halfway between Maidu Lake and the Digit Point Trailhead at Miller Lake. Miller Lake and Digit Point Trailhead can be accessed by motorized vehicles.

But for the Mott Trailhead, there is no drinking water. Plan ahead. Primitive Camping is allowed on the trail, but it is recommended in locations out of view from other hikers, mountain bikers, etc. Campgrounds located near many of the trailheads gives one the option of stopping for the night on those segments of the North Umpqua Hiking Trail before moving on the next day.

This photograph of a bridge in the Tioga Segment of the north Umpqua River Hiking Trail was taken from across the river during winter, as you may have guessed from the lack of foliage.

Protect our National Forest and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace!
Be sure to check out fire and road conditions at the Ranger Station when planning and
before traveling, hiking or camping in the forest.

The North Umpqua River Hiking Trail

The hiking trail is divided into segments accessible at different trailheads clearly marked as you drive on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway. The following information gives the names of the hiking trails, the trailheads, and the lengths of the hiking trails:

The Tioga segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail.

  • Tioga hiking trail is accessed at Swiftwater Trailhead east of Idlyld, Oregon, east of the Narrows on the Umpqua River on the west and at Wright Creek Trailhead on the east.

  • Tioga hiking trail is 15.7 miles.

  • This hiking trail is rated difficult by the forest service due to length and steep terrain.

  • The trail is the lowest in elevation, providing year round recreation.

  • The trail winds through Old Growth Forest of Douglas fir, Hemlock and Sugar Pine with trees over six feet in diameter.

    • Day-hikers on the Tioga segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

  • Traveling west to east: The first 0.25 mile is accessible to the physically challenged, providing easy access to Deadline Falls.

  • Hike through forested fern groves to Fern Creek Falls a mere 1.75 miles from Swiftwater Trailhead. Hike a few more miles to Bob Butte and the rock outcrop meadow, recommended as the place to turn around before hiking back to Swiftwater Trailhead.

    • For those who want more than a day hike on the Tioga Segment

  • The trail drops down from Bob Butte and continues for many miles, a gentle meander river side on the wild and scenic Umpqua River.

  • Primitive, "no-trace" camping Only, is allowed alongside the trail.

    • The Mott Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

  • The Mott Segment is accessed at Wright Creek Trailhead near Bogus Creek Campground on the west and Mott trailhead at historic Mott Bridge near Island Campground just east of Steamboat Creek.

  • Unlike any of the other segments, the Mott trailhead has running water.

  • The trail is 5.5 miles long and rated moderate by the USFS.

  • It passes through Old Growth Forest on the western segment.

  • The trail follows the Umpqua River with short trails leading to the river's edge where you can try fly-fishing and enjoy, photograph, beautiful scenery.

      • The McDonald Trail in the Mott Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

    • The McDonald Trailhead is found east of Wright Creek.

    • It's 4 miles long.

    • It passes through middle-aged and Old Growth Forests and an old homestead after climbing several steep switchbacks.

    • Wildflowers abound in spring.

    Mott Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail combined with the Riverview Trail.

    Riverview trail is part of the old Umpqua Highway built in 1926. The trail is 6 miles long and offers an and opportunity to make a loop when hiking or mountain biking and combined with the Mott Segment of the North Umpqua Trail. Access to the trail is either at Bogus Creek Campground on the west or just off Hwy 138 on Forest Road 38 on the east end.

    The Panther Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

  • The Panther segment is accessed at Mott Trailhead on the west and Panther Trailhead across the river from Apple Creek Campground on the east.

  • Panther Trailhead is at an elevation of 1320'.

  • It's 5 miles long and has a moderate rating.

  • The Panther segment is an excellent year round trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

  • The trail passes by alder-covered gravel bars then climbs up and away from the river on rocky bluffs.

    • The Calf Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

  • Calf segment of the Umpqua River Trail is accessed at Panther Trailhead on the west and Calf Trailhead on the east.

  • Calf Trailhead is at an elevation of 1440'.

  • The trail is 3.7 miles long and has a moderate rating.

  • It stays close to the river, allowing those hiking to hear the rapids.

  • The Apple Fire of 2002 burned through here. Contact the North Umpqua Ranger Station about trail conditions before attempting this hike.

  • The Calf Trailhead is a little east of Horsehoe Bend Campground.

    • The Marsters Segment of the Umpqua River Hiking Trail:

  • The Marsters segment is accessed at Calf Trailhead on the west and Marsters Trailhead on the east.

  • The Marsters can be found at Marsters Bridge, when the road moves from one side of the river to the other.

  • Marsters trailhead is at elevation 1580'.

  • The trail is 3.6 miles long and is rated moderate.

  • The trail winds through moss covered bluffs, fern covered hillsides and lush forests. At one point it rises above an old growth Douglas fir stand with several trees of diameters from 5 to 7 feet: giants over 800 years old.

  • Weeping Rocks Spawning Beds: Turn off Hwy 138 on Forest Road 4770 just after Marsters Bridge; cross the forest service bridge, pull off the road and look in the water. From September to November adult Chinook salmon return from the Pacific Ocean to spawn at this site.

  • Marsters Trailhead is east of Eagle Rock Campground.

    • The Jessie Wright Segment:

    Jessie Wright and her husband, Perry, once homesteaded in the area.

  • The Jessie Wright segment is accessed at Marsters Trailhead on the west and Soda Springs Trailhead on the east.

  • Soda Springs Trailhead is at an elevation of 1800'.

  • The trail is 4.1 miles long and is rated moderate.

  • The trail follows an old roadbed into Dark Canyon, through a forest of Doug fir and big leaf Maple and below the volcanic remnants of Eagle Rock and Ol' Pa, both of which can also be viewed from Hwy 138.

      • Several side trails intersect with Jessie Wright Segment:

    • Illahee Flats Trail - 1 mile long - leads to a meadow used in the past by the native peoples of the area and also as a Forest Service Guard Station. Now it's popularly used by equestrians.

    • The Boulder Creek and Bradley Trails give a loop through Boulder Creek Wilderness. Both trails are closed to mountain bikes.

    Deer Leap Segment:

  • The Deer Leap Segment is accessed at Soda Springs Trailhead on the west and Toketee Lake Trailhead on the east.

  • Toketee trailhead is at an elevation of 2426'.

  • Hiking west to east, the trail is rated moderate. Hiking east to west, it's rated difficult.

  • Deer Leap segment is named after a volcanic plus that rises 1500' above the river; this trail segment follows high along the canyon rim.

  • Look for a great view from an open bluff rising 500 feet above the North Umpqua River.

  • Toketee Lake Trailhead is not far at all from Toketee Lake Campground. Stop to fish in the lake if you like.

      • Side Trips from Deer Leap Segment:

    • Medicine Creek Indian Pictographs 1.0 mile up Road 4775. Please respect this cultural heritage site.

    • Near Toketee Lake is Toketee Falls, requiring a separate hike. The hike to Toketee Waterfall is only 0.8 mile round trip, but you must also get to the trailhead for Toketee Falls from the Toketee Lake Trailhead for the North Umpqua Trail. I heartily recommend hiking to Toketee Waterfall.

    Hot Springs Segment:

  • The Umpqua Hot Springs segment is accessed at Toketee Lake trailhead on the west and the Hot Springs Trailhead on the east.

  • The Hot Springs Trailhead is at 2720' elevation.

  • The trail is 3.5 miles long and rated moderate.

  • It crosses the Umpqua River 3 times.

    • The Dread and Terror Segment:

  • Surprise and Columnar Waterfalls just east of Umpqua Hot Springs.

  • Columnar Waterfalls are so named because of the beautiful rock formations, which you'll find all over the Umpqua River Watershed. Not the least being Toketee Waterfalls.

  • Beautiful, tempestuous Lemolo Waterfalls several miles further east.

Lemolo Segment:

  • The Lemolo segment is accessed at White Mule Trailhead on the west and Kelsey Valley Trailhead on the east.

  • Kelsay Valley Trailhead is at an elevation of 4280'.

  • The Lemolo segment is 6.3 miles long and rated moderate.

  • It travels along the lower slopes of Bunker Hill though mixed conifer forests of Doug Fir, Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pine.

  • There are 4 campgrounds on Lemolo Lake, to the south of the trail: Poole Creek, Bunker Hill, Inlet and East Lemolo Campgrounds.

  • A slight deviation of 0.5 mile on Road 700 as it crosses the trail will bring you to Crystal Springs and a dispersed campsite. The moss covered springs demonstrate how well the volcanic rock Cascade Mountains stores water.

  • There is a campground near Kelsay Valley Trailhead.

    • ... and finally ... the Maidu Segment:

  • The Maidu segment is accessed on the west at Kelsay Valley Trailhead and on the east at Digit Point Trailhead. Digit Point Trailhead is accessed by a hiking 4.75 miles to Miller Lake in the Winema National Forest.

  • The elevation of Digit Point Trailhead is 5630'.

  • The Maidu Segment is 9 miles long and rated difficult.

  • The first mile follows the river.

  • At 2.7 miles, near the Tolo Mountain Trail (#1477) you enter the Mt Thielsen Wilderness Area. This segment is closed to mountain biking.

  • As you climb toward Maidu Lake, you will hike through deep deposits of pumice, reminder of Mt Mazama's eruption 7,700 years ago.

  • Lake Lucile and Maidu Lake on the Maidu segment are stocked with fingerling trout. Lake Lucile covers 15 acres and averages 15 feet deep, Maidu Lake covers 20 acres and averages a depth of 12 feet. Lake Maidu is the source of the Umpqua River.

  • Connect with the Pacific Crest Trail at this end of the Umpqua River Trail.

  • Digit Point Campground is on Miller Lake. It is 13 miles from the campground to Chemult, Oregon.

    • Except for my editorial comments, the information compiled in this description of hiking trails on the Umpqua River came from the combined resources of the Umpqua National Forest, the Roseburg District of the BLM and the City of Roseburg. For myself, I have wanted to hike along these trails for so long, but no one has ever wanted to do it with me. I am going to be doing some of the shorter trails by myself this year, but I must say, Brad was finally interested when I said, "I don't know why you don't want to do these hikes," and told him about the Doug Firs 800 years old. He was impressed, and Finally enthusiastic! - gm

    If you have any questions about any of the individual trails contact:

    Tioga Segment: Roseburg District BLM (first 11 miles of the trail): 541.440.4930 North Umpqua Ranger Station (4.7 miles of the trail): 541.496.3532.

    Mott through Marsters Segments: North Umpqua Ranger District: 541.496.3532.

    Jessie Wright through Maidu Segments: Diamond Lake Ranger District: 541-498-2531.

    hiking trails in umpqua national forest; enjoy camping in the umpqua national forest and hiking trails to waterfalls in the wild and scenic umpqua river watershedt: brice creek waterfalls, moon waterfalls, pinard waterfalls, spirit falls; hiking trails off the Rogue Umpqua Scenic byway on the wild and scenic umpqua river in the umpqua national forest: toketee waterfalls, watson falls hiking trails, fall creek falls, susan creek day use area, susan creek hiking trails, susan creek campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, toketee campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, lemolo campgrounds off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, diamond lake campgrounds, boulder creek campgrounds, canyon creek campgrounds, umpqua national forest campgrounds, clearwater falls campgroud, island campgrounds, lake in the woods campgrounds, bogus creek campgrounds, apple creek campground, steamboat falls campground, williams creek and eagle rock campgrounds, horseshoe bend and canton creek campgrounds, devil's campground on cow creek, cedar creek campground on brice creek, rujada campground on layng creek, whitehorse falls and clearwater falls campgrounds, susan creek waterfalls, north umpqua river, south umpqua river, umpqua river hiking trails accessed off the rogue umpqua scenic byway, forest service campgrounds, blm campgrounds, cavitt creek recreation area, deadline falls, steelhead in the umpqua river, angling, hiking trails to lemolo waterfalls, clearwater waterfalls, whitehorse waterfalls, clearwater river, toketee lake, umpqua hot springs, steamboat creek waterfalls, warm springs waterfalls, lemolo lake; hiking trails on the little river in the umpqua river watershed in the umpqua national forest: wolf creek waterfalls, grotto falls, hemlock waterfalls, hemlock lake, cavitt creek waterfalls, recreation area, shadow waterfalls, yakso waterfalls; hiking trails on the south umpqua river watershed: south umpqua waterfalls, campbell waterfalls, hiking trails in theboulder creek wilderness area, hiking trails in the mt thielsen rogue umpqua divide wilderness area, cathedral waterfalls off the south umpqua river; hiking trails in the row river watershed: moon, spirit and pinard waterfalls.

    Forward ~ Map for the North
    Umpqua Waterfall Tour.

    Back ~ Scenery on the North Umpqua River.

    USFS Umpqua National Forest.

    BLM: Roseburg
    District of the Bureau of Land Management.

    Waterfalls & Hiking, Mountain Biking & Horseback
    Riding in the rivers of the Umpqua Watershed.

    The hiking trail to Falls Creek Waterfalls depicted on the right.

     
    Camping in the North Umpqua District of the Umpqua National Forest

    Directions to campgrounds on the North Umpqua River. These campgrounds are on the western end of the wild and scenic river, between the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park and I-5. Boulder Flat is the last one in the North Umpqua district. After that you're in the Diamond Lake District. Directions to campgrounds within the Diamond Lake District of the Umpqua National Forest. Directions to campgrounds in the Little River watershed of the North Umpqua River.

     
    Hiking Trails in the Umpqua River watershed in the Umpqua National Forest:

    Directions for hiking trails to waterfalls and other points of interest in the Row River Watershed of the wild and scenic Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. As well as Directions for the Umpqua River Trail - 12 hiking trails riverside. Directions for hiking trails to the many waterfalls on the wild and scenic Umpqua River off the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway. Directions for hiking trails in the south Umpqua watershed. Directions for hiking trails in the Little River watershed. All within the magnificent Umpqua National Forest.

    Enjoy the North Umpqua Waterfalls Tour on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway:

    Can include Crater Lake National Park: Introduction.

    Travel Directions, Map and Scenery ~ can include Crater Lake National Park: Introduction. Experience: splendid scenery, hiking trails for intrepid hikers and those with less enthusiam. Enjoy the magnificent the wild and scenic Umpqua River, Umpqua hot springs near Toketee Campground, rafting on the rapids, hiking the beautiful trail along the Umpqua gorge to magnificent Toketee Waterfalls, my favorite, and the favorite of anyone I've ever spoken to. Hike through a forest garden of dense wild rhododendrons at Warm Spring Waterfalls. Hike the trails to experience the wonder of tumultuous Watson Falls. Don't forget Lemolo Waterfalls and Lemolo Lake. And when you arrive at the north entrance partake the splendor of Crater Lake - Enjoy beauty.

    Enjoy the Diverse Loop Tour on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Crater Lake Hwy:

    Includes Crater Lake National Park: Introduction.

    Travel Directions, Map and Scenery. Experience: splendid scenery, hiking trails for intrepid hikers and those with less enthusiam, experience the majestic Rogue River Gorge at Union Creek and the Natural Bridge, waterfalls, the Rogue River Hiking Trail, hiking trails to Muir Creek Waterfalls and National Creek Waterfalls all in the Rogue - Siskiyou National Forest. Enjoy hiking trails to Mill Creek Waterfalls, Barr Creek Waterfalls and Pearsoney Waterfalls in Prospect, Oregon. Or just stand on the historic Prospect bridge and enjoy the panorama of the Avenue of Giant Boulders. Hike down to the water's edge if you've a mind to.

    Combine the Umpqua Waterfalls and the Diverse Loop Tours

    Traveling Oregon on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Crater Lake Hwy: Directions.

    Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
    located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake National Park.

    stay in the cabins at gathering light retreat located in southern oregon near crater lake national park and travel oregon and experience volcanoes, geology, hiking trails, oregon geology, rogue siskiyou national forest, wild and scenic rogue river, wild and scenic umpqua river, rogue gorge at union creek, oregon, national rogue river hiking trail, rogue national forest, national forests, wilderness areas, national wildlife refuges, wetlands, klamath basin, prospect, oregon, mill creek waterfalls on the rogue river, barr creek waterfalls on the rogue river, avenue of giant boulders on the rogue river, hiking trails to mill creek waterfalls, hiking trails to barr creek waterfalls on the rogue river, hiking trails to national creek waterfalls in the rogue siskiyou national forest, hiking trails along the rogue river, hiking trails to the natural bridge, hiking trails at crater lake national park, crater lake national park, hiking trails on the wild and scenic rogue river, hiking trails to national creek waterfalls, national wildlife refuges, wetlands, rabbit ears, the cascade mountains, the old cascade mountains, mt thielsen, hiking trails at crater lake, crater lake national park.

    Advertise Here!

    Travel on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway to Gathering Light ... a retreat: Directions Map and Scenery. Experience the columnar basalt of Toketee Waterfalls, tumultuous Watson Falls ... the beauty of the wild & scenic Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. Arriving at the north entrance of Crater Lake, enjoy Crater Lake National Park too.

    Directions to and Day Trips of about 100 miles from the retreat.

    Little known Scenic Places to explore nature: hiking trails, wetlands, national wildlife refuges, mountains, wilderness areas, river gorges and more near Crater Lake National Park and the retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

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    Autumn on the river at the retreat depicted in the photograph above.

    Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.