Rogue-Umpqua River Scenic Byway
Roseburg is the starting point for this dramatic route that climbs east as Highway 138 alongside the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River through dense stands of old-growth Douglas fir and hemlock trees and into the Cascade Range for about 80 miles to the northern (summer only) entrance to Crater Lake National Park. Just after Diamond Lake, the route turns southwest via Highways 230, 62, and 234 along a stunning stretch of the Rogue River, before ending northeast of Medford in tiny Eagle Point. Allow six to nine hours to drive the entire 172-mile route, taking time to stop here and there to enjoy the scenery, and perhaps even hike some portions of the North Umpqua Trail. Signposted trailheads along the drive lead to some magnificent waterfalls—Deadline Falls and Fern Creek Falls are a couple of favorites. Note that this route differs from the Umpqua River Scenic Byway, a stretch of Highway 138 that can access 15 miles north of Roseburg in Oakland and follow 66 miles as it twists and turns over the Coast Range—through famous fishing holes and rugged timber towns—to Reedsport on the central coast.
