Today I did the trip: Portland to Horseshoe Bend Campground on North Umpqua River and back. It was an amazingly beautiful day, not too hot, not too cold.. just perfect. I even jumped in the river, but couldn’t stay too long. Though I thought it was 64 degrees, later I found out it was 55F. So I wasn’t actually being a wuss by staying in there probably no more than 5 mins 🙂
The trip took about 4 hours with 1 stop in Roseburg for Lunch and picking up brochures. The area is very heavily used for whitewater rafting, though the water was quite low, so not many people were out on the river (skinny dipping opportunity haha.. as long as you’re far enough away from the campground).
The way there isn’t too difficult – it’s pretty much I-5 S until Roseburg. Then take exit 124 towards the city center and follow signs towards “Diamond Lake” and Rt 138. Eventually the road goes from double lane highway to 2 way road along the N. Umpqua.
The river is lined by campgrounds, and a couple motels, one of the two every 5 miles or so. Lots of hiking opportunities as well. Horseshoe Bend campground is around milepost 47,
This is the view from the road — the sign for the campground is up, but in the dark would be hard to see.
There is a country store that is open 7am to 8pm every day just 1 mile past the campground (MP 48). Campground was pretty full, and the host lady suggested that anyone not in the reserved area should come by Thursday or Friday morning to ensure a spot. Saturday night there was only 1 spot left. Best spots to combine she said are 13/14 with river front real estate, or 8/9 which are right next to the HorseShoe Bend trail 1533.
