In the July 2011 edition of RV Life you will find an article entitled Take a Waterfall Tour http://www.rvlife.com/Travel/take-a-waterfall-tour.html which covers twenty four waterfalls in a concentrated region of the Umpqua National Forest. Waterfalls are just part of the story.
There are other water related attractions in the area worth mentioning.
The Umpqua Hot Springs are geothermal pools located above the North Umpqua River at an elevation of 2,640 ft. Two oval shaped pools are available for soaking your weary bones. The larger pool measures five by eight feet with a water temperature of 110° F. and is covered with a wooden enclosure. The smaller upper pool is warmer measuring four by five feet with a water temperature of 112° F. The depth of each pools is approximately two and a half feet. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
If manmade features rather than natural water attractions are more to your liking, be on the lookout for small hydroelectric plants scattered throughout the region. Unlike larger hydroelectric projects that feature dams to impound rivers and create the required fall to generate electricity, the hydro plants in this area make use of the natural escarpments that form the many waterfalls. Don’t be surprised to find penstocks dropping from the heights above to small generating plants throughout the forest.
Oh and I would be amiss if I failed to mention the numerous rustic campgrounds throughout the area as well. Check them out at :http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/recreation/camping/index.shtml
Finally, be forewarned that clothing is optional at the hot springs!
Now that you know the rest of the story, enjoy your visit to the Umpqua National Forest.
Waterfalls and nudity, just another adventure in RVing!
The Hot Springs
Random Penstocks
Lots of Cascading Water.
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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