Lower Steamboat Creek

Gauge Information

Min Sug. Level:

1000 cfs

Max Sug. Level:

3000 cfs

River Description

This run is remote, beautifull, with one unpleasant portage. It has too much flatwater. The hard rapids are too hard and the easy ones are too easy. It's main virtue is that it runs when Canton Creek is too low. This is prime steelhead spawning ground, so stay off the bottom.

Description:

The run begins at Steelhead Creek by milepost 5. After a mile of flatwater you enter Black Gorge and encounter the first class IV. Run it where you can (in on the right and out on the left is good) or portage or sneak on the right. Soon a class III leads into a class P/U. Be sure to get out on the right in time. Portage out onto the ledge and seal launch into the quiet water. You can’t see the runout, but is even quieter. Soon you come to the last class IV, a simple plunge. Scout or portage on the left. As you leave the gorge you come to a long sloping shallow bedrock class III. Now the fun is over. A half mile of flatwater brings you to Little Steamboat Falls. Portage on the left or take out on the right. A few playspots, some more flatwater, then take out at the gauge. Or continue down the Umpqua.

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 upstream to MP 5. Put in on Steelhead Creek under the bridge.