This scenic byway is in southwest Oregon 70 miles south of Eugene. It begins in Roseburg and travels east to Diamond Lake; it then heads south to Gold Hill. The byway follows OR 62, OR 138, OR 230, and OR 234, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. It is 172 miles long and remains open year-round.
This scenic drive takes the traveler through a diverse landscape, from rural countryside dotted with farms and open pastures to thick forests of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. Wildflowers bloom along the byway making their colorful presence known. Travelers are also treated to views of the beautiful Cascade Mountains, meandering mountain streams, and scenic cascading waterfalls.
The byway provides nearly unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are hiking trails ranging from short easy walks to pretty waterfalls to longer, more arduous trails that are enjoyed by experienced hikers and backpackers. Wilderness areas surrounding the byway provide opportunities for hiking or horseback riding to secluded places.
Numerous campgrounds are provided along the entire length of the route by the Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, and the State of Oregon. You’re bound to find a campsite that interests you, whether you seek a primitive, secluded site or one that is highly developed.
The byway winds along two National Wild and Scenic Rivers, the North Umpqua and Upper Rogue. These rivers, and the many others found within the forest, provide excellent fishing and rafting opportunities.