Umpqua, South
1. Camp Comfort to South Umpqua Falls
| Difficulty | II-V |
| Length | 6.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 55 fpm |
| Gauge | South Umpqua River at Tiller, or |
| Flow Rate as of 49 minutes | 313 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 8, 2019 |
River Description
Flows: During years with a strong snowmelt runoff, this section can be run down to 600 cfs. If you are relying on snowmelt, make sure you see the presence of a diurnal cycle on the gauge. This section has been run as high as 5,000 cfs from rain, the significant rapids are class V at that flow. 1,000 cfs is a low flow if the stream is being fed by rain, 2,000 cfs is a friendly flow from rain.
Stream: There is a short walk in from Camp Comfort along a nice trail, this trail ends with a bench overlooking the confluence of the Black Rock Fork and Castle Rock Forks. The confluence of the two forks is where the South Umpqua begins, and marks the put in for this run.
The run starts off relaxing, with class II-III rapids amongst classic Oregon beauty. About 1/2 mile after putting on the stream narrows and it is obvious there is a significant rapid downstream. Eddy out to scout Donkey Kong either left or right, with the portage being easier on the left. This narrow and turbulent drop has been run, but not with style.
The Filter is not far downstream and even narrower than Donkey Kong. This rapid has three narrow chutes, the far right one appears wide enough for a kayak, though a descent of the drop has not been documented. There is an easy portage on the left that ends in a 10 foot seal launch.
The narrow upper section eases below the filter, and boaters find themselves able to read and run a few intermediate rapids down to the Emerson Creek bridge (under construction in 2017). This bridge marks another put in option for those not interested in the adventurous upper gorge.
The next notable rapid below the Emerson Creek bridge is a fun, 5 foot ledge that can be scouted on the left. A couple more small rapids exist below this bridge and the old 2823 bridge. Paddlers looking for a short day can take out here.
Downstream of the old 2823 bridge (removal planned for sum
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportHere the Black Rock Fork and Castle Rock Forks come together to create the South Umpqua River. This spot is reached from a short trail out the back of Camp Comfort.
June 2, 2017 @ 650 cfs
This drop is typically portaged on the left, though there did appear to be a class V line through the chute on the right.
June 2, 2017 @ 650 cfs
This bridge is scheduled to be removed in the summer of 2017 because logs kept piling up here and damaging the bridge. The new route to cross to NF 2823 is a short distance upstream at the Emerson Bridge, which is scheduled to be completed in 2017
Bobby Brown in the rapid above the class V boulder garden. After running this rapid, be careful about boat scouting too far at high flows. It's best to grab an early eddy along the right bank where scouting and portaging is easy.
At the end of the short trail from Camp Comfort.
June 2, 2017 @ 650 cfs
Looking down into Donkey Kong, the first notable rapid below Comfort Camp. While it has been run, it is more commonly portaged.
June 2, 2017 @ 650 cfs
Clear water and spring succulents in bloom along the South Umpqua River.
At higher flows, this would be considered part of the main rapid. At this low flow, it was possible to eddy out a little closer to the crux on the right (where the boater in red is).
June 2, 2017 @ 700 cfs
This challenging boulder garden is the most complex rapid on the South Umpqua. Scout/portage right.
The crack in the middle steals a lot of the water at low flows, in this case it stole Bobby Brown too! A brief surf and he came right out, at higher water its easy to get left or right.