In 1988, Congress designated 33.8 miles of the North Umpqua River as a Wild and Scenic River with a "recreation" classification. It begins at the confluence of Rock Creek (river mile 35.5) near Swiftwater Bridge and ends at Soda Springs (river mile 69.3). There are five resources listed as "Outstanding Remarkable Values: Fish, Water, Recreation, Scenery, and Cultural Resources."

Recreation activities along the corridor include driving for pleasure, world class fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, hiking, watchable wildlife and waterfall viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and numerous developed and primitive camping and day-use opportunities.

BLM's Swiftwater recreation site is a day-use area popular for steelhead and salmon fishing. Across the river is western most trailhead of the North Umpqua Trail, a 79-mile effort completed in 1996 after 20 years of work. Susan Creek Day-Use Area and Susan Creek Campground are located seven miles upriver along Highway 138. An easy 0.8-mile hike from the day-use area ends at the moss lined Susan Creek Falls. Susan Creek Campground is located 0.5 mile upstream from the day-use area and is well known as one of BLM's crown jewel recreation sites.

Nationwide, fishermen are lured to the emerald green waters of the North Umpqua River for its seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon. These anadromous (sea run) fish migrate up river from the ocean to spawn in the tributary waters of the North Umpqua River. Between Rock Creek to Soda Springs. Most all of the Wild and Scenic section of the North Umpqua River is limited to fly-fishing only (31 miles)

For rafters and kayakers, the white-water rapids challenge river-running enthusiasts. The river is rated from Class I to Class V rapids, ranging from mild water to moderately short, but raging rapids. Difficulty levels vary throughout the season and are dependent on water flow levels. Most rapids increase in difficulty with higher water volume, and several rapids become more difficult as the water level decreases and exposes more river rock to negotiate. Over a dozen commercial river guides are permitted by the BLM and USFS to provide river float trips to the public. Best months to rafting the river are May, June and into July, depending on weather. Later in the summer, kayakers enjoy the lower flows and thrills of the many currents of the river.

Call the Umpqua National Forest at (541) 672-6601 or Roseburg BLM (541) 440-4930 for a brochure. Also available from the North Umpqua Ranger District, USFS, are daily reports on fishing and boating conditions as well as river flow levels. (541) 496-3532.