Thundering Waters Journey to Crater Lake
The Land of Umpqua offers you a "rushing water" journey to Crater Lake via Highway 138, an Oregon Scenic Byway. You'll be in awe as you explore numerous waterfalls and view some of the finest whitewater rafting and fly fishing waters in America.
1.
Gliding into Colliding Rivers
Your first stop is Glide and the Colliding Rivers Viewpoint where two mighty rivers meet. It's a phenomenon that is a rare natural occurrence. In the early spring, melting snows make this meeting even more spectacular. A historic Indian Village site can be found opposite the viewpoint. Covered bridge lovers will want to drive up Little River Road to Cavitt Creek and use the bridge to "ferry across" the river.
Continuing on Highway 138 through the Umpqua National Forest, you travel along the banks of the North Umpqua where inviting riverside parks and campgrounds offer easy exploring of "thundering waters" and world-class fly fishing. Hike through old growth Douglas Fir forests with ferns blanketing the forest floor. Visit Rock Creek Fish Hatchery and see the Narrows, where hundreds of years ago Indians speared salmon and steelhead from pole platforms.
2.
Diamond Lake
Next stop is Diamond Lake, a pristine mountain lake also offering numerous campsites and recreational opportunities year-round. Towering above the lake are the peaks of Mt. Thielsen and Mt. Bailey. Leaving Diamond Lake, you travel to Crater Lake National Park. Grand vistas await as you gaze out on the bluest of blue lakes. The lake, the deepest in America, was created when Mt. Mazama erupted 7,700 years ago. This Eastern Land of Umpqua tour will certainly leave you with an "I am satisfied" experience.