Umpqua State Scenic Corridor

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Scenic corridor along the North Umpqua River — legendary steelhead and salmon fishing on one of Oregon’s most pristine wild rivers.

Visitor Information

About Umpqua Scenic Corridor

Umpqua State Scenic Corridor follows a beautiful stretch of the North Umpqua River through old-growth forest in the Cascade foothills of southern Oregon. The corridor protects some of the finest riverside scenery along Highway 138 — known locally as the “Highway of Waterfalls” for the many cascades along its route to Crater Lake.

Things to Do

The North Umpqua is one of Oregon’s premier fly-fishing rivers, famous for its summer steelhead run. Sections of the 79-mile North Umpqua Trail pass through the corridor — offering world-class hiking and mountain biking. Scenic pullouts along the highway provide access to swimming holes and waterfalls. Toketee Falls and Watson Falls — two of the most spectacular waterfalls in Oregon — are nearby.

Getting There

Located along Highway 138 (North Umpqua Highway) east of Roseburg in Douglas County. Free roadside access.

About Umpqua Corridor

Umpqua State Scenic Corridor in Douglas County preserves forest along the Umpqua River — one of Oregon’s great salmon and steelhead rivers. The Umpqua Valley is famous for its wine production (Oregon’s oldest wine region) and the North Umpqua River is considered one of the finest fly-fishing streams in the Pacific Northwest.

Things to Do

Driving through the scenic forest corridor, fishing in the Umpqua River, visiting Umpqua Valley wineries, and enjoying the southern Oregon forest landscape.

Insider Tips

River corridor beauty: The Umpqua Scenic Corridor follows one of Oregon’s most diverse rivers — from mountain headwaters through wine country to the coast. Pro tip: The Umpqua supports wild populations of both winter and summer steelhead, coho salmon, and Chinook salmon. Wildlife viewing: Roosevelt elk herds are commonly seen in the Umpqua Valley — Oregon’s largest land mammal (bulls reach 1,000+ pounds).

Best Time to Visit

Fall: Salmon spawning and elk rutting. Summer: Swimming holes and fishing. Spring: Wildflowers and high water. Winter: Steelhead fishing and eagle watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between elk and deer?

Roosevelt elk are 4-5 times heavier than black-tailed deer (700-1,100 lbs vs 130-200 lbs). Elk have distinctive bugling calls during the fall rut that echo through Oregon’s valleys. The Roosevelt elk subspecies is found only in the Pacific Northwest.

Wildlife & Nature

Umpqua State Scenic Corridor protects forest and river scenery along the North Umpqua River — one of Oregon’s most legendary fly fishing rivers. The North Umpqua’s Camp Water stretch is where legendary angler Zane Grey (the Western novelist) fished summer steelhead in the 1920s and 1930s — his writings helped establish the river’s international reputation. The river’s emerald-green water — colored by dissolved volcanic minerals — creates one of the most photogenic rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The river supports wild runs of summer steelhead, spring Chinook, and coho salmon. American dippers bob on mid-stream rocks. The surrounding old-growth Douglas fir forest includes 500-year-old giants. Pacific giant salamanders — reaching 14 inches — inhabit the forest floor.

Nearby Attractions

North Umpqua Trail — 79 miles of premier hiking and mountain biking — follows the river from near Roseburg to the Cascades. Toketee Falls (113 feet) — dropping over columnar basalt into an emerald pool — is one of Oregon’s most photographed waterfalls. Watson Falls (272 feet) is the third-highest waterfall in Oregon. Crater Lake National Park is 60 miles east. Steamboat Inn — perched above the river — has been a legendary fisherman’s retreat for decades. Diamond Lake offers mountain lake recreation.