Fun on the Lower Three!

Gauge Information

Min Sug. Level:

1500 cfs

Max Sug. Level:

4000 cfs

River Description

This is a good run when the Umpqua is too high. This is prime steelhead spawning ground, so stay off the bottom.

Description:

This run splits conveniently into three sections.

Lower Three
From the take-out up, the first three miles to Scaredman Campground are visible from the road. What you can't see won't hurt you (watch for logs). Make a plan to portage the waterfall. Above 3.8 on the Scaredman gauge you may wish to get out at the bridge to avoid being swept over. This section is mostly flat with a few sudden IVs and one big P/U. Class III boaters can do the IVs if they are competent in the tuck and swim method of river running.

Middle Three
The middle three miles are away from the road and rate a III+. First time class III boaters should have a class IV guide who has done it before. This section is busy, remote, pretty, and a lot of fun. Put in at the "six mile bridge" if you're a mountain goat or go upstream a half mile to a wide gravel "no camping" area and look for a trail in the back. This means running the last ledge drop on the Upper Three.

Upper Three
The upper three miles are class IV. There are two good ledge drops and a boulder garden with a surprise ending which should be scouted on the car ride up. These are not visible from the road. Below the boulder garden are several river-wide ledges which offer good playspots.

The lower ledge drop is just above "six mile bridge" about a hundred yards. You can sneak right or left or portage left, but a gut shot will become a backflip.

The boulder garden with the surprise ending is one mile up from "six mile bridge" where road 25-1-2.0 branches off. Walk downstream a hundred yards or so and hump through the woods. There is no trail. Scout all the way to the end and make a plan to portage. The last pool isn't as easy to hit as it looks.

The upper ledge drop is 2 1/2 mi. above "six mile bridge" near an inconspicuous sign 24-1-36. Scout upriver of the wide spot in the road.

Shuttle: Road Map

To get to the take-out: Take I5 to Roseburg exit 124 and follow the signs to state highway 138 east. Go east 39 miles to Steamboat Creek. Turn left and go up the creek one half mile. Cross the bridge, turn left and park. The take-out is at the Steamboat gauge on the upstream end of Canton Creek Campground.

To get to the put-in: Go up Canton Creek Road three miles to Scaredman Campground; Use the boatramp above the bridge on river left. Three more miles to "six mile bridge". Three more miles to the confluence with Pass Creek where roads 24-1-26.0 and 25-1E-31.0 split; Put in below the bridge on river right.