This Quiet Oregon City Is Hiding In Plain Sight

Oregon feels like a little slice of heaven, with 11 national forests, over 200 waterfalls, and thousands of miles of trails to explore. Right in the heart of the Umpqua River Valley, in southern Oregon, lies the town of Roseburg, which might just be one of the most underrated representations of this beauty. This town of 24,000 not only serves as a gateway to the state’s “Highway of Waterfalls”, but it is also positioned near the famous North Umpqua Trail. And to top it all off, the Great Umpqua Food Trail winds through town, featuring wineries, farms, and restaurants where you can enjoy some exceptionally fresh and delectable food. If you are looking to explore one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Roseburg should be on your radar.

The North Umpqua Trail

Extending for about 79 miles, the North Umpqua Trail has historically been one of the most epic mountain biking trails in Oregon, and Roseburg is fortunate to be just a short drive away from it! Trail advocates had envisioned this path since the 1970s, dreaming of a route that would stretch from Rock Creek to the Cascades. Starting in 1978, several government agencies, along with an extensive team of dedicated volunteers, worked together to construct the trail, completing it in 1997. Unfortunately, in 2020 and 2021, wildfires severely damaged about 30 miles of the route. The National Forest Foundation acted quickly to begin trail restoration efforts. Although portions of the trail remain closed, there are several segments that bikers can enjoy today.

In total, the North Umpqua Trail has 12 trailheads, each of which provides parking and access to the path. Each trail segment varies between 3.5 to 15.7 miles in length. While primitive camping along the trail is permitted, there are also established campgrounds nearby. Waterfalls, springs, wildflowers, and giant trees are just a few of the natural features that you can appreciate along the way! Make sure to verify which segments of the trail are open before your visit.

Highway of Waterfalls

Waterfall chasers will love the Roseburg area. Over a dozen waterfalls lie along Highway 138 and the North Umpqua River, earning the area the nickname “Highway of Waterfalls," which conveniently begins right from Roseburg! Travelers can begin their waterfall adventure by heading east on 138, where they’ll eventually hit Deadline Falls after about 25 minutes. These falls, known as a block waterfall, drop from a wide river, and between May and October, you might even catch salmon and steelhead making their way upstream during spawning season! Shortly after, you’ll reach Susan Creek Falls, which plunges 50 feet over rugged rock cliffs. Hikers can access these falls via a short .8 mile trail. Continuing about 15 minutes further east, you will arrive at Fall Creek Falls, a tiered waterfall with cascades of 35 and 50 feet. Across its four tiers, the water plunges nearly 120 feet into a cool pool that becomes a popular swimming spot during the warmer months.

Along Steamboat Creek, you can find two more falls: Little Falls and Steamboat Falls. Toketee Falls, just over an hour east of Roseburg on Highway 138, meanwhile, is one of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls. It drops about 120 feet, starting with a 40-foot upper tier that flows into a pool before continuing another 80 feet down to a lower pool. Finish your waterfall trip for the day at Watson Falls, the highest waterfall in Southern Oregon, at 272 feet! If you want to keep exploring, several waterfalls lie even further east.

The Great Umpqua Food Trail

Food and wine lovers are in for a treat in Roseburg: The city is the perfect starting point to exploring the Great Umpqua Food Trail, with 40 food trail businesses near town. In the northwest, you can enjoy a wine tasting at Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards, a six-time winery of the year that has won more than 600 Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum Awards.

There are several farms and orchards in the area as well, such as Norm Lehne Garden & Orchards, which offers seasonal U-pick experiences and a year-round farmstand on Melrose Road. Olive oil fanatics can drive about 25 minutes out to River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil, where they can receive a free tour and tasting. To conclude your food-filled day, head back into town to have dinner at Old Soul Pizza, which serves wood-fired pizza on Roseburg’s Main Street.

A Southern Oregon Gem

Roseburg is one of those spots that makes Oregon feel downright magical. In addition to having some of the state’s most impressive waterfalls nearby, it has developed a reputation for its tremendous food and wine scene, home to a rich collection of farms, wineries, and restaurants. Mountain bikers will have plenty to do, as well, of course. So don’t hesitate to explore this town for yourself; who knows what else you will discover!