Rogue-Umpqua Byway - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 120

Drive 12
Rogue-Umpqua Byway
Afullmeasure ofnatural splendors awaits insouthwestern Oregon,wheremyriad
creeks and rivers race down forested slopes to golden valleys and finally the sea.
Length: About 190 miles, plus side trips
When to go: Popular year-round; snow is frequent in winter above 3,000 ft.
Nearby attractions: Wildlife Safari, animal park with petting zoo and auto tour, Win-
ston; Lithia Park, landscaped grounds adjacent to Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ash-
land; Hellgate Canyon, east of Galice
Further information: Oregon Tourist Commission
www.traveloregon.com
Southern Oregon Visitors Association, Roseburg Visitors & Convention Bureau
www.visitroseburg.com
1. Colliding Rivers Viewpoint
Passinggrass-coveredhills,scrubland,andsmallstandsofoaksandpines,Rte.138makesa
leisurely ascent—about 18 miles in length—from Roseburg to Glide. Once in town, be sure
to visit the Colliding Rivers Viewpoint, which overlooks the confluence of the North Um-
pqua and Little rivers. An exhilarating sight in the wetter months, their waters churn every
which way before settling down as one. Across the road, the Colliding Rivers Information
Center offers helpful information on local camping, hiking, and watersports.
Forstill moreviewsoftheNorthUmpquaRiver,aswellasthekayakersandrafterswho
brave its currents, consider a walk along the North Umpqua Trail, which runs alongside the
waterwayforsome75miles.BeginningaboutsixmileseastofGlideattheSwiftwaterTrail-
head, the path can be accessed from many points along the drive.