North Umpqua | Site of Discovery and Wonder

Watson Falls And The North Umpqua Inspire Peace And Tranquility

September 23, 2015 2 Comments

Although, we are now in fall and water is low, Watson Falls and the North Umpqua continue to be places that inspire peace and tranquility. Watson Falls is a ribbon-like cascade that plunges over 270 feet, making it one of the highest falls in Southern Oregon. The trail takes you to the very top where it is in the upper 40s and you are the recipient of drops of cold spray. The trail meanders among boulders, which are sometimes covered with moss, depending on the heat. But the vision of Watson Falls is well worth the climb. It is located about 21 miles NW of Diamond Lake on the Roseburg Hwy.

Just beyond Watson Falls is the better-known Toketee Falls that you can walk around without any difficulty. A few miles ahead is a power station which subsumes the flow of the North Umpqua. Just above is a fish hatchery and Soda Springs Dam. It is the only dam on the North Umpqua. In the high water of spring, rafting companies sometimes put their boats in below the dam to give their passengers a few extra rapids before reaching Boulder Springs Campground, the usual starting point.

Between Boulder Springs and Gravel Bin, there are a number of Class 2 and 3 rapids with one Class 4-, Pinball. But the North Umpqua offers more than turbulent water, it also offers deep, quiet pools where one can sit by the riverside and just relax and reflect. Shades of green and blue intermingle in the river currents, looking like oil colors on a painter’s canvas. I especially enjoy looking at the solemn boulders, surrounded by swirling colors. Indeed, it is a special place that inspires peace and tranquility.

Location of Watson Falls

Watson Falls trail

Watson Falls

Another view of Watson Falls

A boulder surrounded by the calm of the North Umpqua

The beauty and tranquility of the North Umpqua

Filed under Nature Tagged with Boulder Creek Campground, boulders, North Umpqua, Roseburg Hwy., Watson Falls

A New Low For The North Umpqua

September 16, 2015 1 Comment

Because the North Umpqua is not dam-controlled, it is not unusual for it to vary widely in size from season to season. But nobody could anticipate that the river would reach an all-time low that saw this proud stream reduced to a creek. But it happened last August. In fact, the river was so low that the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Game banned fishermen from the stream. The Dept. felt that the water was too low and too warm. Now the North Umpqua is known throughout the world for its splendid steelhead fishing, so this was quite a disappointment for many eager fishermen and, especially for Steamboat Lodge, which offers a well-known late fisherman’s dinner. Normally, the Lodge offered picturesque views of a falls, but the falls disappeared into a pile of boulders. A plethora of fires didn’t help any of the tourist businesses either. All in all, a strange and sad summer for people who frequent the North Umpqua.

Sign welcoming you to Steamboat Lodge.

Lots of luck floating this rapid. There is a sharp rock in the middle.

Not much of the river left in the ribbon ahead.

Notice how narrow the river is.

Another view of the same rapid.

Filed under Fishing, Nature Tagged with drought, North Umpqua, Steamboat Lodge, steelhead

Scenes From The North Umpqua

September 13, 2013 Leave a comment

The North Umpqua, which arises near Diamond Lake, is one of the most beautiful rivers in America. Its blue-green water splashing over boulders is a must see for river enthusiasts. An agreement was made with the Power Commission that if the extensive power plant was built there would be no further dams on the river. That agreement, and the abundance of forestry-owned land has protected the North Umpqua from further human obstructions. To top it off, the North Umpqua is world-renowned for its wonderful steelhead fishing. It is not an easy river to fish, since it offers many ledge rocks that a careless angler could slip off of into turbulent water. However, that situation deters few. In fact, during the summer, the Steamboat area is strictly regulated by fishermen to ensure the best fishing. Should you wish to stay the night, the Steamboat Lodge offers a sumptuous feast known as the Fisherman’s Dinner served at dusk. From Boulder Creek Campground to Steamboat, the gradient and sharp rocks keep inner tubers and casual tahiti rafters off the river. Famous rapids include Pinball(Class 4), which swirls around a series of boulders, and Boulder Hole(Class 3), a long rapid that ends in an abrupt drop around a corner. The river flows through magnificent forest and is highlighted by awe-inspiring spires and rock formations. The photos include: Approaching Boulder Hole, The last drop of Boulder Hole, Happy Rock, Rapid below Headknocker’s 3 . If you get the chance, do visit!