It’s a late-in-the-season summer day, it’s hot out. A floating trip down the cool waters of the North Umpqua River sounds like a perfect way too stay cool. If you’ve never floated the Umpqua River before here are some helpful tips to have a fun and safe time on your next river adventure.
Where to float:
Lone Rock to Colliding Rivers Boat Ramp
This stretch of river clips along at a moderate pace and at times it’ll seem like you have the whole river to yourself. There aren’t any intense rapids on this section of the river. The trickiest part of this float is near the end at Colliding Rivers and can be cumbersome even for experienced rafters/floaters. Use caution when going down this rapid. Colliding Rivers is a popular place to go swimming, so if you do decide to go swimming here, know your surroundings and only go swimming if you’re confident swimming in a body of water with a moving current.
You’ll need two vehicles to shuttle between the parks. Put in at Lone Rock Boat Ramp and Take out at Colliding Rivers Boat Ramp. This section of the river is located near Glide, OR.
Float time is about 2 and a half hours. (Less if in a kayak).
John P Amacher Park to Hestness Landing Boat Ramp to River Forks Park
Mild rapids combined with slow moving waters, makes for a perfect summer float. Midway through this float is Hestness Landing Boat Ramp. Many people either put in or take out here, depending on their schedule. This section of the river is the most popular float on the North Umpqua River. During the weekend this section of the river can get pretty busy, but it’ll never feel crowded. Another reason this float is so popular is that it’s close to town.
You’ll need two vehicles to shuttle between the parks. Park at Amacher Park County Park or Hestness Boat Ramp and take out at Hestness Boat Ramp or River Forks County Park.
Estimated time to float from Amacher Park to River Forks: 4 Hours. Amacher Park to Hestness about 2. (Less if in a kayak) We recommend paddling through slow moving areas like Red Beach (AKA Sunburn Alley).
When should you float:
It’s temping to jump into the river on the first hot day of the year, but the river is cold. Really cold. Especially earlier in the season. We recommend floating the river any time between late July through August and even early September (if the water levels allow for it). We also recommend setting aside most of the day for floating. These floats can often take up to 5 hours, depending on the amount of water flowing.
What to bring on your float:
You’ll need an inflatable device of some sort. We recommend a rugged river inner tube or an inflatable kayak to traverse the river. If you’re in a kayak you’ll also need a life jacket, it’s the law. If your kayak is over 10 feet long you’ll also need a boat license. Bringing a dry bag is great way to keep your cell phone, keys and more dry during the float. You should also consider bringing a wide-brimmed hat as well as waterproof sunscreen to protect against the harsh summer sun. For your sunglasses it’s a good idea to strap on a floating strap so if they fall off, your glasses won’t sink to the bottom of the river.
Safety First:
The North Umpqua is not a lazy river, there are some serious rapids. We wouldn’t recommend floating or rafting sections of the river you’ve never been on before. Even if you have floated a particular section, rivers can change from season to season so be careful of any hazards, new or old. Again, be sure to bring a life jacket and sun protection. Alcohol is not permitted on the river, so leave those brews at home. If you do bring any beverages with you, be sure to leave no trace and pick up any cans or bottles you brought with you.
Who should float the river:
We recommend only those who are strong swimmers float the river. Yes, you’ll have life jackets and inflatables, but the North Umpqua is not a lazy river. It’s cold and in some spots has very strong currents. Have fun and stay safe out there!
