Umpqua 1 Day Kayak

North Umpqua River 

Inflatable Kayak Trip

Highlights & Details

  • Challenging rapids
  • Inflatable kayaks only
  • Rugged, scenic canyon
  • Old growth forests in the Cascade Mountains
  • Class III/IV
  • Season (May-July)

Trip Pricing

Limited availability in 2024 for groups of 8 or more. Please call our office for more information.

Adults:  $169.00

Minimum Age: 15 years

Price Includes: Deli buffet lunch, life jacket & helmet, paddle jackets & pants, wetsuit booties, wetsuit (when necessary), return shuttle.

The North Umpqua River is a steep and rugged canyon, with towering Douglas Fir forests shading the crystal clear water as it leaps and cascades through deep gorges and boulder-strewn channels. 

Our one-day North Umpqua River All-Inflatable-Kayak trips begin running in mid-August as water levels drop and rafting gets “bumpy”. Single person inflatable kayaks replace rafts and each person becomes their own “captain”. Lead by experienced guides in inflatable kayaks, the trip begins at Eagle Creek Campground and explores 10 exciting miles to Gravel Bin Boat Ramp. Classic rapids such as Dog Wave, Toilet Bowl, Cardiac Arrest and many others provide plenty of Class III “homework”, while famous class IV Pinball becomes the “final exam” towards the end of the day. 

What's it like?

The day begins as you meet your guides and fellow kayakers at the Gravel Bin boat ramp at 10:00 a.m. Here you will be asked to sign an “Assumption of Risk” form and to pay your balance if needed. From here we’ll travel by van upriver to our launch location at Eagle Creek Campground (Boulder Flat if the group is suitably experienced). At Eagle Creek we’ll fit everyone for lifejackets and paddle gear and discuss safety issues for the day. We’ll cover the basics of inflatable kayaking The day starts with Class I & II rapids before building to Class III before lunch. After lunch the action intensifies with lots of Class III rapids and the infamous Class IV rapid Pinball. The day finishes with numerous Class II & III rapids before arriving at Gravel Bin where we met this morning and where your vehicle is parked. You can expect to be off the river by 5:00 p.m

North Umpqua River Kayak Trip Planning

Meeting Details

When: 10:00 am (Pacific Time)

Where: Gravel Bin Boat Launch
The Gravel Bin Boat Launch Is located about 40 miles east of Roseburg on HWY 138 between mile markers 39 and 40.

 PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. If you need additional directions or will be late to the orientation, please let us know. Orientation and packing takes approximately 30 minutes. If we have not heard from you the trip will depart Gravel Bin when ready. If you are lost or will be late please use the following phone numbers to let us know. Please leave messages at each number. Ouzel: 541-385-5947;  Please note that cell service is generally non-existent in this area.

What to Bring and What is  Provided


  • What to Wear

    • Visor, Cap, or Sun Hat
    • Sunglasses (w/strap)
    • Shorts or swimsuit (most women prefer wearing shorts over bikini bottoms)
    • Rafting Shoes: Sandals w/heel strap (like Chaco or TEVA) or sneakers – no bare feet, Crocs or flip flops.
    • Do not wear jeans!
    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Hydro-silk or Rash Guard shirt (optional). These fabrics are designed for water sports activities and will protect you from the sun as well as helping to keep you warm when wet.

  • Items to Bring

    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Waterproof Camera
    • Water Bottle (Important! You will be able to refill your bottle from our water cooler). 
    • Change of clothes for after the trip (stays in your car)
    • If you carry epinephrine for allergic reactions, please bring it with you and let your guide know! 
    • Small dry bag (optional). All rafts have waterproof dry bags for items you want to keep accessible. Having your own dry bag eliminates the need to share with others.

  • Lunch & Beverages

    A delicious deli lunch is served buffet style. The lunch includes a variety of whole grain breads, fresh deli meats and cheeses and a variety of fruits & vegetables sliced fresh just before serving. Lemonade, iced tea and iced water are available. Peanut butter & jam is always available. With advanced notice, we can accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and other dietary restrictions. Please inidcate dietary restrictions on your registration form. If this is a special occasion for someone in your group (i.e. anniversary, birthday, etc...), let us know and we might have a little extra something special for the occasion.  Granola snacks and sparkling water are also available at the end of the trip.

  • Cold or Rainy Trips

    We do NOT cancel trips because of poor weather.  It's important to be prepared for the trip. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Common outdoor wisdom tells us that layering is the key. You should have a base-layer of NON-COTTON tops and bottoms made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or fleece which maintain warmth even when wet. Furthermore, protecting your head, hands and feet are extremely important and often overlooked. You should have an insulated and water-shedding hat for wearing on the river. You may also want to consider a pair of neoprene gloves. Ouzel will provide paddle jackets, paddle pants, neoprene booties, and if warranted, wetsuits, but guests need to have the proper base layer. With proper preparation, rafting in the rain is every bit as fun as on a normal sunny day!

  • Dry Bags & Gear Storage

    Small dry bags will be avaliable for items that you would like accessible during the day.  This includes sunscreen, lip balm, extra clothing, medical supplies, etc. Other items such as keys, phones and wallets can be left in our van (bring a bag or day pack) or packed in the dry bag.  An extra set of close for changing after the trip can be left in our van.  If you have questions about unusual items, please give us a call.

  • Photos from Your Trip

    For most of the summer, photos are taken by a photo company of every raft at Natural Selection.  These photos can be purchased online after the trip. A link can be found in the detailed trip planner and will also be emailed to you after the trip.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  During the should season (May, some of June and September) photographers are not always present to take photos. Please check with our office if you want to confirm whether or not photos will be available for your trip.

  • Prices, Fees & Gratuities for Guides

    Our trips are priced to be all-inclusive. There are no additional taxes, fees or add-on costs for items necessary for the trip. The trip cost listed on the trip details page is the final price.  The only exception is gratuities for the guide staff. 


    If you have enjoyed your trip and feel that your guides have done an outstanding job, it is customary to thank them with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but a gratuity of between 15% and 20% of your trip fare is typical for Ouzel guests. The guides share their gratuities and will appreciate any expression of thanks you care to offer.


    Sourvenier t-shirts and water bottles are also available for purchase during the booking process and afterwards by phone.

“The demeanor and attitude of the guides were the highlight. All members of the party were very comfortable and impressed. Thank you!” -Matt Williams (N. Umpqua River)

Share by: