RIVER OF THE MONTH
30 YEARS
North Umpqua River A salmon stronghold and one of the West’s recreational treasures, the North Umpqua River pours cold and clear from the crest of the Cascades in southern Oregon. It courses through a dramatic river canyon of striking, volcanic rock and through ancient forests before meeting the South Umpqua and flowing to the sea. Its 33.8 Wild and Scenic River miles are designated as fly-fishing only and support some of the healthiest runs of native salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest.
Why It Matters
MATT STOECKER
TOM AND PAT LEESON DIANE HIGDEM
The North Umpqua is like a savings account for clean, cold water. The unique geology of its headwaters stores and releases large volumes of snowmelt, resulting in cold, emerald-green flows year-round. Because of this, it is one of the few designated salmon strongholds in Oregon, and is increasingly important as rivers up and down the West Coast experience warmer temperatures.
TYLER ROEMER
Fish
Wildlife
Although the river is best known for its wild steelhead (pictured), the North Umpqua also supports strong populations of native spring Chinook, threatened coastal coho, resident rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
The basin’s impressive stands of old-growth forest provide habitat for threatened northern spotted owl, Roosevelt elk, bald eagle, black bear, northern river otter (pictured) and many other species.