Rock Creek (Umpqua)

For a first time trip 1,000-2,000 cfs is probably the range most people are going to want to shoot for on the Steamboat gauge.  It has been scraped down as low as 200 cfs, and the last part next to the hatchery has been run pretty high (@ 3,000 rising to 5,000 cfs).  Per usual, recommended flows will provide the best boating opportunity.

This is a convenient section of class IV-V bouldery whitewater only 30 minutes off I-5 near Glide.   After a short warm up, there is about 1 mile of challenging boulder gardens, then an easier but still splashy 1/4 mile as it passes the fish hatchery and enters the North Umpqua.    Many boaters choose to continue through the Narrows on the North Umpqua for two more notable rapids on a larger river.

Below is an outdated, humorous description from some boaters who put in at the wrong spot, and perhaps were in over their heads.  Scroll past for a more accurate portrayal:

Put in under the bridge on river left. If the day is cloudy or foggy, bring a compass. The gradient on the first four miles is 10 ft/mi. Downstream is 200 degrees magnetic. After four miles of slack water and logs, you come to the first drop.

DO NOT run this drop; It will funnel you into a series of class V drops with multiple routes some of which have man size rock sieves.

Instead, get out on river right and start portaging over volksvagen size boulders. After a mile of this the river eases and you can get back into your boat. Don't bother to fasten your spray skirt.

Almost immediately you will see the diversion dam that feeds the fish hatchery. Do not run the dam; This is dangerous.

Instead, paddle to river right and, in the very maw of the covered sluice that f

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