| The Umpqua National Forest in southwestern Oregon is nestled on the westside of the Cascade Mountains. Geologic events have shaped the distinctive landscape on the 984,602-acre forest, and provide beautiful scenery as well as a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Visitors discover a diverse place of high mountain lakes and rivers, as well as calm ponds. The Forest is characterized by its many waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway. The Boulder Creek Wilderness, 19,100 acres, is entirely within the Forest boundaries. Two other wilderness areas are shared with other Forests: Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness, 26,350 acres, and Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, 26,593 acres.Included within the Forest are the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River, a portion of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area, and the Diamond Lake Recreation Composite, one of the largest developed recreational facilities within the Forest Service.The Umpqua National Forest allows visitors to enjoy its wide variety of wildlife. The Forest is home to 18 fish species, including winter steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon, and sea-run cutthroat trout. The Umpqua National Forest is also home to 66 different mammal species, 236 bird species, and 27 reptile and amphibian species.The forest is home to many game animals, including deer and elk, and to many fish, such as the various species of trout. State of Oregon licenses are required for hunting and fishing in the area.There are dozens of trails throughout the Forest. These trails range from easy to difficult with lengths anywhere from under a mile to thirty miles long. Many of the trails are open to hikers mountain bikers, and horseback riders.Made up of Class II through Class IV rapids with names like Weird Weir, Rollout, Cardiac Arrest, Headknocker Moe, Headknocker Curly, and Pinball, the North Umpqua River is what Oregon whitewater is all about. Located in steep forested canyon walls, this river provides many rapids around every turn.There are opportunities on the Umpqua National Forest for both Nordic and downhill skiing. Diamond Lake Ranger District features a network of Nordic skiing trails nestled in scenic mountains. Snowmobiling is also a popular winter activity within the forest.There are over thirty campgrounds within the Umpqua National Forest. These campgrounds range from primitive fully developed and are open to tents, RV's and horses. Many of the campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables and/or trash receptacles. Some campgrounds provide showers and RV dump stations. |
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