Copeland Creek, Oregon, US

Second Bridge to North Umpqua (Copland Creek)

Fountain of Youth

Fountain of Youth
Photo of Steve Stuckmeyer by Thomas O'Keefe taken 01/08/06

Gauge Information

River Description

This run is steep, active, serious Class IV. The rocks are sharp and unavoidable. There is a 15 foot waterfall in the middle of the lower section with an unpleasant portage.

Description:

This run splits conveniently into two sections.

I have not run this section myself. Check out the description, with pictures and shuttle directions, in Jason Rackley's excellent Oregon Kayaking site.

Look over the put-in bridge at the first drop. This is about average. You will be required to do things more difficult than this.

The next drop is not visible from the put-in. When you get there look hard before you portage. This is as hard as it gets (except for the waterfall and logs). If you decide to portage because you're scared, get out a rope and climb up to the road high above. If you decide to portage to save your boat the indignity of a really bad ding then you're probablly doing the right thing.

Helmet cam view of the run

Shuttle:

To get to the take-out: Take I5 to Roseburg exit 124 and follow the signs to state highway 138 east. Go east just past MP 51 to Copeland Creek. It is well marked. Take out under the bridge or down the Umpqua.

To get to the mid point put-in: Go up Copeland Creek Road (USFS 28) two miles to the first bridge. Cross the bridge and park. Put in at the 'pump chance' WO 30307.

To get to the put-in: Stop at the mid point put-in and gaze at the rapid downstream. Go back accross the bridge and continue up river left on the dirt road (Copeland Creek Road USFS 2801). Bear left at all intersections. After two and a half miles turn left at USFS 2801-300. Cross the bridge and park in the hunters camp. Carry down to the creek from here. A much nicer put-in is 0.2 miles downstream at 'pump chance' WO 3040.