Rogue-Umpqua Scenic BywayThe Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is a delightful way to discover both the Rogue River National Forest and Umpqua National Forest. The Byway winds past the community of Prospect to Union Creek Historic District, paralleling the Rogue River, passing the southern and northern entrances of Crater Lake National Park and around to Diamond Lake. From there the Byway follows the North Umpqua River to Glide, Oregon. The state routes that make up this spectacular Scenic Byway are 138 and 230. Along the way there are 34 Forest Service campgrounds, several resorts, and a few places to eat. Elevations range from 400 feet to over 5,000 feet and, along the way, some of the most breath-taking sights in southern Oregon. The Byway is broken into three segments referred to as North Umpqua, High Cascades, and Upper Rogue. Within these segments are spiral topped and gentle domed volcanoes, quiet ponds and massive lakes, and abundant wildlife. Along the Byway are some places noted for their pies and others for their sandwiches (although the term "sandwich" does not do the actual morsel justice). Hillsides are covered with a mix of oak and conifers while a short hike away are stands of old-growth Douglas fir, Sugar pine, cedar and hemlock. The Umpqua and Rogue Rivers tumble along between stretches of calm emerald green water where the area's volcanic history can be seen in the frozen lava flows that line the rivers. Lava flows and glacier movements give the Byway over two dozen waterfalls that beckon visitors to get out of their vehicles and explore. No way around it - the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is a Must-Do the next time you are in the area. Click on a thumbnail to load the full image. |
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