North Umpqua River 

Full Day Rafting Trip

Highlights & Details

  • Action packed, Class III & IV
  • Rugged, scenic canyon
  • Near Crater Lake National Park
  • Best in early summer

Trip Pricing

 Adults: $159.00

Youth: $149.00 (12 and under)

Minimum Age: 10 years

Price Includes: Gourmet deli-buffet lunch. Splash jackets & pants, neoprene booties and wetsuits (when warranted). Helmets (required).

Action Packed and Stunning Scenery

Set in the southern Oregon Cascade Mountains and not far from Crater Lake National Park, this trip explores 15 action-packed miles from Boulder Flat Campground to Gravel Bin Boat Ramp. The river canyon is steep and rugged with towering Douglas Fir forests shading the crystal clear water as it leaps and cascades through deep gorges and boulder-strewn channels. Classic rapids such as Boulder Drop, Toilet Bowl, Cardiac Arrest and the famous Pinball provide Oregon's best early-summer paddle rafting experience. 

Itinerary

The day begins at 10:00 a.m. as you meet your guides and fellow rafters at the Gravel Bin Boat Ramp.  Once everyone is gathered, a short van shuttle takes us to Boulder Flat Campground where the trip begins. We'll get everyone fitted for life jackets and splash gear (wetsuits if needed) and discuss safety issues for the day. After dividing into paddle raft crews we'll get on the water for a full day of exciting whitewater. The first half of the day includes numerous Class II and some Class III rapids. After a riverside lunch at Horseshoe Bend the action intensifies with plenty of Class III rapids culminating in Class IV Pinball Rapid. The day finishes with a few Class II rapids before arriving at our take-out (and meeting location) at Gravel Bin Boat Ramp. The trip typically ends around 4:00 p.m. 

Transportation Information

Round-trip transportation from Bend is not available for North Umpqua River trips. All guests must meet us at the river. Our default meeting location is the Gravel Bin Boat Ramp. In some cases we might change your meeting location to the Boulder Flat Campground boat ramp. This will be made clear in the pre-trip confirmation information.

North Umpqua River Trip Planning

Meeting Details

The North Umpqua River is located along HWY 138 between Crater Lake National Park and Roseburg, OR. The drive time from Bend is about 2 hours and 15 minutes


Meeting Location & Time

Gravel Bin Boat Ramp at 10:00 a.m.

Gravel Bin Boat Ramp is on HWY 138 approximately 40 miles east of Roseburg, OR and 60 miles west of HWY 97, near mile marker 40.


Get Directions from GoogleMaps


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.

  • 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.

“You guys are a top notch organization. The registration and follow up could not have been more pleasant (REALLY nice reminders to get my t-shirt size in, etc.) and the trip was so beautifully executed. The guides were incredibly professional and fun, felt safe and well cared-for the entire way.”  -Leslie P. (N. Umpqua River)