Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. The Oregon Association of Independent Inns is the only State Association of independent properties and we welcome you as you travel the backroads. Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information, inspiring our traveling spirits.
‘Two Raging Rivers Run Through It. From Gold Hill on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon or from Roseburg on the Umpqua River 85 miles north, you’re only moments from enjoying this spectacular route.
Follow the “Wild and Scenic” Umpqua and Rogue rivers through enchanting recreation areas in the heart of the southern Cascades. Commonly known as the ‘highway of waterfalls’ we hiked and found 7 along the Umpqua River, Hwy 138, from Roseburg toward Diamond Lake. There’s more. We ran out of time and steam!
The next spring we did the second half from Gold Hill to Diamond Lake. ‘The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway ascends from I-5 into the southern Cascades, tracking two of Oregon’s most storied rivers.’ The drive itself is only 172 miles, an easy day trip, but with all the waterfalls, hikes, and scenic visits, you may want to schedule a couple of days as we did.
At the south end of Diamond Lake, OR-138 heads toward Crater Lake National Park. To visit the lake itself, take a short detour along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, where the Crater Rim Viewpoint reveals sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and ridges. From there, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway meets OR-230 and curves southwest into the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, where the Rogue River first surfaces after winding through underground lava tubes.
With winter and spring come winter storms and snow pack melt, supplying Oregon scenic rivers the water needed to create our wildly beautiful and renowned waterfalls. And it’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls. Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face!
Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.
Peruse Chasing Waterfalls on our blog and while there explore Where To Stay. What To Do. Where To Eat. Where To Play. You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
