The Umpqua, a wild and scenic river
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The beautiful Umpqua River - impossible to capture in a photographThe wild and scenic Umpqua River and the path is carves through the mountains is the most beautiful river. I have found others I thought to be as beautiful, but none more so. When a friend from the Netherlands was planning a return trip to Oregon, and we were talking about places to go and sights to see, we decided on both the McKenzie and the Umpqua. I described the McKenzie, saying it was beautiful, but beauty defined by charm and whimsy. I described the Umpqua's beauty as grace and elegance. Just to let you know we did the Waterfall Tour hiking trail on the McKenzie, and Jeroen REALLY liked that portion of the river. And truly, it is spectacular, but if we're speaking of a continuous drive along the Umpqua from Roseburg until it leaves the highway up above Toketee, the Umpqua far and surpasses the McKenzie. I've spoken to Forest Service people who have worked on both rivers. If they are working on the McKenzie presently, they always want to go back to the Umpqua. Still, as I said, the Waterfall Tour Hiking Trail on the McKenzie is spectacular. Take in both of them if you can. In addition to the bounty of nature's beauty, the wild and scenic Umpqua River offers a variety of vacation recreation opportunities: Waterfalls, Rivers, the Umpqua National Forest - Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback Riding, Angling, Fly-fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming, camping, rafting, kayaking ... You decide. Protect our National Forests and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace! To make sure we do it all, Check the 7 Principles of "Leave NO Trace!". | |
Forward ~ Fern Falls, seasonal waterfall, viewed on the Tioga segment of the north Umpqua River hiking trail. Back ~ Deadline Falls on the wild and scenic USFS: Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. Poison Oak can be a problem at these elevations. Although not usually on the major trails described in this site. One winter, I stopped at a little pull-off and walked down to the river. Not on a trail or anything. I just walked across the bank to the river. I saw poison oak there. If you want to see a picture to help you recognize it when it's green - it stands out much better when it's red, there's one here. | |
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Travel on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway to Gathering Light ... a retreat: Travel Directions Map and Scenery. Experience the columnar basalt of Toketee Waterfalls, tumultuous Watson Falls ... the wild & scenic Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. Arriving the north entrance, enjoy Crater Lake National Park too. Directions to & Day Trips in either Oregon or California of about 100 miles from the retreat. Little known Scenic Places to explore: hiking trails, wetlands, national wildlife refuges, mountains, wilderness areas, river gorges & more near Crater Lake National Park & the retreat: Travel Directions, Map & Scenery. |
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Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat. Walking riverside (pictured above) at Gathering Light ... a retreat. Rustic simplicity, a place to "Just Be", Gathering Light is nestled on the banks of the river, surrounded by the Fremont Winema National Forest of southern Oregon and not far from Crater Lake National Park. |