Rogue-North Umpqua Scenic Byway

Tuesday | 19 August 2008: It was down to the low 40's overnight at Crater Lake National Park and we had rain and thunderstorms on and off all night - time to hit the road! We left the park through the southern entrance/exit (at Mazama campground, actually) and took a right onto Highway 62 to catch Oregon Highway 230 and 138. Highway 230 to 138 is part of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. (A few years ago, we drove the southern part of the byway, read my report and see the photos here.)

It is a beautiful drive and we really recommend it for RVs - especially if you are heading west from Crater Lake National Park, as it would be a fairly grueling climb heading east. (DT used the exhaust brake twice on the route today.) It is a good, wide road with plenty of turn-outs, passing lanes and pretty places to pull-over for a picnic or rest. There are numerous fishing spots, boat ramps, waterfalls, hiking trails and campgrounds along the byway - but few are Big Rig friendly, so enter at your own risk. The scenery is just outstanding!

Map courtesy of Travel Oregon

At the north end of Diamond Lake (located at point "3" on the map above) is the new RV-friendly Diamond Lake Viewpoint. After a steep block-long climb up to the vista point, you are rewarded with RV parking, easy turn-arounds, informational signs, toilets, picnic tables and gorgeous views to Diamond Lake and Mt. Thielsen!

Come on up - there's plenty of room


Diamond Lake and picnic tables


Mt. Thielsen


ADA parking and bathroom facilities

After Tokatee Falls, the route follows the pretty North Umpqua River for many scenic miles. The North Umpqua is a popular fly-fishing river. There are few services, but many places to pull-over, set up day camp and try your luck.

The North Umpqua River


Afternoon coffee break along Oregon Highway 138

Nearing I-5, we stopped in Glide to see the "Colliding Rivers" viewpoint. Here the Little River joins the North Umpqua. (Didn't see too much colliding through... looked like a little river joining a larger river to me.)

Rivers collide in Glide, Oregon

Here are a few helpful/interesting links:
National Scenic Byways Program: Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway
Travel Oregon: Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway
Travel Oregon
Oregon Department of Transportation - TripCheck
Crater Lake National Park
Douglas County: Welcome to Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake Resort

We are home now. I hope you enjoyed our little quick tour around Oregon. In October we hit the road for a several-month long trip across the country. Please joins us again, and thanks so much!