October 22, 2026 10:30 a.m.

Umpqua National Forest, in partnership with National Forest Foundation has successfully placed nine new bridges on the Mott, Panther, and Calf sections of the North Umpqua Trail.

A UNF update said work was completed with oversight by contractor Oregon Woods, Inc. hired through NFF. There was an assist from Columbia Helicopters for the placement of grade beams and steel structures. The bridges were staged at Steamboat Ballfield Campground and flown into place by helicopter in single day.

This complex project represents a year of planning and coordination, excavation work, and bridge manufacturing. While the bridge placement is a major milestone, work is still underway to anchor the bridges, attach railings and deck boards, and to perform final earth work. This is expected to happen over the next couple of months.

The release said while bridge placement was successful, segments of the North Umpqua Trail remain uncleared. Debris or landslides may impede travel on the trail in some areas. People should use caution when recreating on the NUT or consider hiking another trail.

The UNF is always looking for volunteers to join us in trail work and maintenance. For more information, https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/working-with-us/volunteers