Getting Oriented
The byway runs east-west across southern Oregon between I-5 at Roseburg and I-5 at Gold Hill, with Crater Lake National Park sitting just south of the route's high point. From Roseburg, OR-138 follows the North Umpqua River — a federally designated Wild and Scenic River — east through Glide and Idleyld Park to the Cascade crest. The route turns south on OR-230 past Diamond Lake, then OR-62 and OR-234 carry it down the Upper Rogue back to I-5.
The Umpqua National Forest manages the North Umpqua side; the Rogue River-Siskiyou's High Cascades Ranger District covers the Upper Rogue.
Trail Overview
A 172-mile paved point-to-point. Surface is two-lane state highway end to end. The high point sits near Diamond Lake at roughly 5,200 feet. ODOT plows the byway year-round, but winter chains are routine on the higher segments between November and April.
Most drivers run the byway as a multi-day trip. The full point-to-point in a day is doable but skips most of the waterfalls.
Points of Interest
- Toketee Falls. Two-tier 113-foot waterfall on the North Umpqua, accessed by a 0.4-mile trail. The most-photographed of the byway's waterfalls.
- Watson Falls. 272-foot waterfall on Watson Creek, one of the highest in southern Oregon. Short trail from the byway.
- Diamond Lake. 3,000-acre lake at 5,180 feet on the Cascade crest with two Forest Service campgrounds and the Diamond Lake Resort. Mt. Thielsen rises east of the lake.
- Crater Lake National Park. South entrance accessible from the byway via OR-230 / OR-62. Pairs naturally with the byway.
- Mill Creek Falls and Pearsoney Falls. Twin waterfalls on the Upper Rogue accessed by short trails near Prospect.
- Natural Bridge. Lava-tube section of the Upper Rogue where the river disappears underground for 200 feet. Short trail off OR-62.
- Rogue Gorge. Narrow lava-cut chute on the Upper Rogue with a paved interpretive walk and overlooks.
- North Umpqua Trail. 79-mile multi-segment trail along the river, accessible from multiple byway pullouts.
Where to Camp
Forest Service campgrounds along the byway include Susan Creek (BLM), Bogus Creek, Eagle Rock, Boulder Flat, Apple Creek, Toketee Lake, Diamond Lake (multiple), Mill Creek, Farewell Bend, and Union Creek. Reserve through Recreation.gov in summer. Dispersed camping is allowed on Forest Service land off most spur roads.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Carry chains November through April. The higher segments draw winter weather.
- Allow at least two days for the full byway. The waterfall stops alone fill a day.
- Pair with Crater Lake National Park; the south entrance is a 25-mile spur from the byway's high point.
- Toketee Falls parking fills early on summer weekends. Arrive before 10am.
- The 2020 Archie Creek Fire and 2002 Apple Fire affected long stretches of the North Umpqua corridor. Burned forest is visible along much of the lower byway.
