• Three C Rock is a perfect destination along the South Umpqua River
• The place offers refreshing swimming along the 300-foot long channel
Tucked away in the lush Umpqua National Forest, Three C Rock Campground and Day-Use is an absolutely beautiful destination along the stretch of the emerald-green South Umpqua River that makes outdoor adventure memorable. The place was named after the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that built its camp here in the 1930s.
If you’re looking for the perfect summer outing with your friends and family, Three C Rock is an ideal fun-filled site, offering camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, and even seasonal fishing.
Swimming
The stretch of the South Umpqua River within the boundary of the Umpqua National Forest is accented by a series of swimming holes, waterfalls, and rapids. Some places have rock ledges, rocks, and cliffs that have been used for an exciting plunge into the refreshing water.
Three C Rock offers refreshing swimming along the 300-foot long channel. The bright green water is transparent and clear, so you can see underwater rock ledges and rocks on the river bottom. The bank is bedrock with underwater ledges. The channel is deep with a 2-foot high rock rising in the middle of the river that is used for jumping. Some underwater ledges allow for fun jumps.
Hiking
The 0.1-mile accessible Cathedral Falls Trail leads to a viewing area at the base of Cathedral Falls. The 60-foot seasonal waterfall plunges into a hidden rock grotto. During the dry season, the waterfall disappears, but impressive rock bluff and cathedral window formation are worth seeing any time of a year.
The trailhead is located at the junction of Highway 46 with Deadman Road, down and across the street from Three C Rock Picnicking Area.
Fishing
Three C Rock is only the place on the South Umpqua within the Tiller Ranger District where seasonal fishing is permitted. Check the latest fishing rules and regulations before fishing.
There are many other campsites, swimming and picnicking spots along the South Umpqua River.
Caution. Watch out for poison oak along the trails.
Three C Rock | Facts
Open: Open year-round
Managed by: US Forest Service
Amenities: Vault toilet, garbage disposal, no drinking water
Activities: Swimming, hiking, picnicking
Distance from the trailhead: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass
Accommodations: 8 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, on a first-come and first-served basis
Elevation (waterfall): 1,140 ft (347 m)
Three C Rock is located:
- 54 miles east of Roseburg
- 54 miles north of Medford
- 125 miles southeast of Eugene
- 180 miles southwest of Bend.
Swimming hole rating: 5 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Cliffs, rock ledges
Water T° (summer): Cool (70°F in August)
Disclaimer
Swimming holes associated with cliff jumping can be extremely dangerous. Variations in water levels, rocks that are not immediately visible, or even shifts in river bottoms due to strong currents can all lead to undesirable consequences including serious injury and death. It is, therefore, very important to check current conditions and all associated risks and concerns. Make safe decisions!
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Three C Rock
From I-5 in Canyonville,
- Take exit 98 and turn left onto 1st Street
- Turn right onto Main Street and then onto 3d Street
- Travel 22.6 miles east on Douglas County Highway 1/Tiller Trail Highway to South Umpqua Road
- Turn left onto South Umpqua Road and continue 4.4 miles to the destination on the right.