Umpqua National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Umpqua National Forest?

The Umpqua National Forest covers a total of 1608 square miles or 984,602 acres. 74% of the forest is within Douglas County, and 26% is in Lane and Jackson County.

What kinds of things can you do on the Umpqua National Forest?

The Umpqua National Forest is the gateway to the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. The drive starts and ends near Interstate 5 in southwestern Oregon, at the towns of Roseburg and Gold Hill. You'll find a little of everything on this drive: wilderness, waterfalls, mountain peaks, old volcanoes and lava flows, tall trees, flower-filled meadows, quiet lakes. It's easy to make a full day of the drive, longer if you want to explore or try some of the many side trips or trails.

During the Spring, hike to waterfalls, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by a river or stream, begin watching the changing wildflowers, or just take the family for a drive.

Fishing is popular in our many lakes and rivers during the Summer. Other summertime activities include camping, hiking, biking, boating, and whitewater rafting.

Fall is hunting season. For those who don't hunt, mushrooming is a popular Fall activity or just come out and watch the leaves change color.

During the winter, the high country around Diamond and Lemolo lakes becomes a winter playground. Snowmobile, sled, cross-county ski, snowshoe, or just enjoy the snow-covered scenery. Downhill skiers will enjoy some of the best powder around as they snow-cat ski Mt. Bailey.

How many recreation sites are there on the Umpqua?

There are a total of 96 recreation sites on the forest. Of these, 46 are campgrounds and 10 are picnic areas. The remainder are shelters in dispersed camping areas, boat ramps, and historic buildings.

How many ranger districts are there on the Umpqua?

There are four ranger districts on the Umpqua National Forest - North Umpqua, Tiller, Cottage Grove, and Diamond Lake.

What is the annual timber volume sold on the Umpqua?

I see that the Wolf Creek Job Corps is located on the Umpqua. What's job corps anyway?

Job Corps is a national program that provides "at risk" young men and women a chance to learn a vocation, complete high school or GED, and learn life skills. The students are housed in a residential setting located along beautiful Little River.

A few people assume that job corps is some kind of correctional facility. It isn't. Students know what is expected of them. They must work hard, study hard, be good citizens, and learn a vocation. There is "zero-tolerance" for drugs at Wolf Creek.

Many of the students are involved in helping the local communities in many ways including construction projects, trail building, and help with special events. Among the vocations learned are carpentry, masonary, auto body, welding, business skills, forestry, and culinary arts.

There is also a highly trained Hot Shot firefighting crew at the center for which students compete to become a member.

How much rain does the Umpqua get every year?

Average rainfall varies considerably around the Forest from about 40 inches per year at Tiller to as much as 90 inches on Mt. Bailey. Much of the Umpqua National Forest is at the 3000-4000 foot elevation and averages about 60 inches of rain per year.

How big are the wilderness areas?

How many fires does the Umpqua get every year?

From 1939 through 1995, 3,797 fires burned a total of 18,561 acres. The yearly average for that time period was 66.6 fires burning 325.6 acres. During 23 of those years, less than 50 acres burned. Prior to 1996, the worst fire season was in 1987 when 289 fires burned 9,702 acres.

In 1996, 110 fires burned a total of 18,340 acres - just 221 acres short of the previous 57 year total. Of these, 103 of the fires were the result of lightning. On August 13, an intense lightning storm moved over the area, starting 33 fires within a 24-hour period. Over the next several days, additional "holdover" fires started from the same storm. The largest was the 16,500-acre Spring Fire located in the Boulder Creek Wilderness. The fire started in steep terrain with heavy fuels during unusually hot, dry conditions.

I was at Diamond Lake but couldn't find the ranger station. What's going on?

The ranger station for the Diamond Lake Ranger Distirct is located at Toketee, approximately 20 miles west of Diamond Lake.

How big is Diamond Lake?

Diamond Lake covers 3,030 acres (two miles wide and slightly over three miles long) and reaches a maximum depth of 53 feet.

Where are the Umpqua Hot Springs?

The hot springs is located on the Diamond Lake Ranger Distrist, 1 mile from the ranger station.

What is the procedure for purchasing a firewood permit?

Firewood permits can be purchased at any ranger district or Supervisor's Office. They are $10.00 a cord for a minimum of 2 cords. If threre are not firewood areas open, the next best thing is to locate a log and map the area. You would then go to the ranger district, and a sale administrator will assist you. They will travel to the site, and then decide whether they can approve the permit.

What about mineral permits?

Mineral permits can be purchased at the ranger districts. The cost is $20.00 for 2 tons.

How much is the Northwest Forest Pass?

It is $5.00 per day or $30.00 for an annual permit. They can be purchased from any ranger district or Supervisor's office.

USDA Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 11 September 2006 at 12:09:20 EDT