Biking

Popular for hiking and mountain biking, the North Umpqua Trail's western most boundary begins on the south side of Swiftwater Bridge. The first 16 miles of the trail is the Tioga segment. The trail parallels the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River, winding through mature Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, and pine trees, some of which are over six feet in diameter.

The first quarter-mile of the North Umpqua Trail is "barrier free" and leads to the Deadline Falls Watchable Wildlife Site. The walk is popular for seniors and families with young children. Between May and October, one may relax and observe anadromous (sea run) steelhead and salmon jumping up the falls on their journey from the ocean to spawn in the tributary waters of the Cascade Mountains.

Most of the rest of the trail is moderately difficult. A section with steep switch-backs over Bob Butte is rated difficult. This part takes the hiker away from the river for a few miles.

On BLM lands, primitive camping is allowed between 100 and 500 feet of the trail. Policy is to pack out what you bring in (no-trace camping). Camping is not allowed in the trailhead's parking lot.

The full length of the North Umpqua Trail is 79 miles. It traverses the Umpqua National Forest and connects with the Pacific Crest Trail high in the Cascade Mountains. The trail was constructed through combined efforts of the Forest Service, BLM, and many dedicated volunteers. For more information visit the BLM site.