Length: 172 miles / 275.2 km
Time to Allow: Plan on 7 to 8 hours to tour this Byway.
Fees: There are fees associated with parking for more than a few hours near trailhead markers. Also, permits are required.
Driving Directions
The city of Roseburg is at one end of this Byway with the city of Gold Hill at the other. I-5 takes the visitor to Roseburg. To begin traveling the B, take State Highway 138 east from Roseburg. This road eventually becomes SR 230, which later becomes 62, which then becomes 234 and ends up at Gold Hill. The journey can be started in Gold Hill and be traveled in the reverse order as well.
Description
Travel high and deep into the Cascade Mountains when you drive the the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, more commonly known as the "highway of waterfalls."
About 18 miles east of Roseburg the North Umpqua River crashes into the Little River at Colliding Rivers, one of the few places in the world where two rivers meet head-on. Enjoy whitewater thrills and superb steelhead runs on the North Umpqua River as it tumbles through the Umpqua National Forest.
After you pass more than a half dozen waterfalls beside the Byway, you will reach sparkling Diamond Lake, a year-round playground at the base of Mt. Thielsen. Take an hour or two and enjoy a bike ride around the lake, one of the nicest family bike rides anywhere.
From here, you're only moments away from Crater Lake's north entrance, which is usually open from June through October. Crater Lake has attracted people from around the world to view its unusual beauty. Scientists from many places come here to study the environment.
In winter you can swing through Highway 230 and Highway 62 to the south entrance, open year-round.
Whether you're learning about the rich history of the Native Americans, stretching in front of a tranquil lake, or experiencing the rush of whitewater rafting on the river known as an "emerald jewel" of Oregon, you'll discover why this Byway is one of the state's best-loved areas. You won't forget the feelings you have while here deep in Oregon country.