Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway

The 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.

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Colliding Rivers Information Center on State Route 138
 
North Umpqua's canyon walls
 
North. Umpqua at Boulder Creek Campground
 
Rafting the North Umpqua River
 
Steamboat Falls in August
 
Yakso Falls Trail #1519 begins
 
A "hanging garden" beside Yakso Trail
 
A bridge on the Yakso Falls trail
 
First glimpse of Yakso Falls
 
Dani enjoying Yakso Falls
 
Evidence of the 2002 Apple Fire
 
Toketee Falls trail head
 
Fred doing what he does so well
 
Toketee Falls Observation Deck
 
Toketee Falls
 
Just off SR 138 - Watson Falls
 
Watson Falls trail
 
Close up of Watson Falls
 
MT Bailey in the morning light
 
MT Thielsen from Thielsen View campground
 
Mill Creek Falls in Prospect, OR
 
The Byway passes through a cathedral pines
 
Quiet Rogue River
 
Warm wood interior of the historic Beckie's Cafe
 
The community kitchen at Union Creek
 
The community kitchen's interior
 
Rogue Gorge
 
Man-made bridge to Natural Bridge
 
National Creek Falls
 
Me at National Creek Falls
 
Depth of MT Mazama's pumice above the road
 
Depth of MT Mazama's pumice ash below the road
 
Rabbit Ears formation

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