W E L C O M E !
High Cascades
glaciation, whitewater rapids and explosive volcanic events have
shaped the spectacular scenery and abundant natural resources
of the Umpqua National Forest.
The lands were included as part of the Cascade Forest Reserve
in 1893. In 1908, Congress designated close to a million acres
as the Umpqua National Forest.
The headwaters of the North and South Umpqua rivers and Row River
begin on the Forest. Verdant stands of hemlock, true fir, Douglas-fir
and cedar transition to lower elevation forests of mixed conifers
and hardwoods. The waterways and diverse landscapes of the Forest
create desirable habitat for many species of fish and wildlife
in addition to providing outstanding recreational opportunities
to our local communities and visitors.
THE UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST IN SOUTHWESTERN OREGON...
...is nestled
on the westside of the Cascade Mountains. Explosive geologic
events have shaped the distinctive landscape on the 984,602-acre
forest, and provide spectacular scenery as well as an abundance
of natural and cultural resources. Visitors discover a diverse
place of thundering waters, high mountain lakes, heart-stopping
rapids, and peaceful ponds. The Forest is characterized by its
many waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North
Umpqua Highway. The Boulder Creek Wilderness, 19,100 acres, is
entirely within the Forest boundaries. Two other wilderness are
shared with other Forests: Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness, 26,350
acres, and Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, 26,593 acres.
The Umpqua National Forest is at the juncture of several distinct
geologic provinces, providing a wide spectrum of habitat for a
wide diversity of plants and wildlife. The Forest is home to 18
fish species, including winter steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon,
and sea-run cutthroat trout. The Forest abounds with 66 mammal
species, 236 bird species, and 27 reptile and amphibian species.
Anadromous, or sea-going fish enjoy 359 miles of streams with thousands
more miles of streams covering the forest landscape.
HISTORY
What does "Umpqua" mean? "Thundering waters" or "across
the waters" are two popular translations for this surviving
word of the Umpqua language. Another definition is "satisfied" --
as in a full stomach.
Ancestors of the Umpqua, Southern Molalla, Yoncalla, and Cow Creek
Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians lived here before Mt. Mazama erupted
forming Crater Lake nearly 7,000 years ago. The Indians were moved
to reservations in 1856. As Europeans bought reservation lands,
the tribes further fragmented to become farmers and ranchers in
the Umpqua Valley.
The Umpqua National Forest had its genesis on
March 2, 1907, in the setting aside of acreage in the Coast Range
in Douglas County. Two days later, Congress renamed all of the
forest reserves as national forests. The Forest Service broke
up the Cascade Forest Reserve on July 1, 1908, into what became
the Mt. Hood, Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue River National Forests.
On the Umpqua, Forest Service staff began building trails, constructing
bridges, fighting fire, monitoring grazing, and erecting lookouts.
Logging and mining began in 1925.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
shaped part of the Forest by building roads, bridges and recreation
facilities in the 1930s. After the road connecting Roseburg
and Diamond Lake was completed in 1940, it took another 25 years
to become a major eastern route. With the new route in place,
logging increased in the upper reaches of the Forest. The Umpqua
National Forest currently has 54 developed campgrounds with nearly
800 campsites, 5 historic cabins and lookouts available for rent,
350 miles of trail maintained for year-round use, 1,150 miles of
roads maintained for car travel, and 4 staffed lookouts.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US AND FOREST FACTS...
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