Myrtle Creek-Canyonville Tour Route

You'll be sorely disappointed if you didn't pack a lunch and make the exploration of this route an all-day excursion. The route follows South Myrtle Creek through hills dotted with cattle, sheep, and wild turkeys.

• Distance:  68 miles, parts of which are single lane, gravel and closed in winter.
• Starting Point:  Exit 98 off I-5

• Minimum Driving Time:  3-4 Hours. Facilities are available at the Carl C. Hill Wayside Park, the Tiller Ranger Station and Mill Site Park in Myrtle Creek.
• Best Time to Drive:  Late spring for wildflowers, fall for vivid colors.

1. East along the South Umpqua

This loop explores a 68-mile section of Southern Oregon on the eastern side of I-5. It's so rich in natural beauty and fascinating history, you'll want to pack a lunch and make it an all-day diversion. To begin the Route, take Exit 98 off I-5 and find the Canyonville Kiosk in front of City Hall on Main Street. From here, take County Road 1 along the South Umpqua River. Watch for historic homes and buildings, bountiful produce farms, and the Milo Covered Bridge. In the community of Tiller, the Route continues to follow the South Umpqua on County Route 46, South Umpqua Road.

2. Footloose in the Foothills

About six miles east of Tiller, turn left on Forest Road 2810, which literally is a forest road through stands of old growth Douglas-fir. The trees occasionally give way to offer views of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness to the east. After 14 miles, the Route jogs left onto Forest Road 2792 for 500 feet before heading west on BLM Road 28-3-35 to Red Top Pond, a popular reservoir for fishing and picnicking. This steep and narrow one-lane road can be hazardous for motor homes and trailers, and is often closed in winter.

3. From Forests to Farms

From Red Top Pond, the Route widens and follows South Myrtle Creek along County Route 18, South Myrtle Road, through hills dotted with cattle, sheep and wild turkeys. The roadsides are painted with wildflowers in spring and colored leaves in fall. After about 17 miles, you'll end up on Riverside Drive in Myrtle Creek. The Route ends at Mill Site Park on Main Street. For more information, call the Myrtle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-863-3037 or the Tiller Ranger District at 541-825-3201.