A Perfect Weekend Escape in the Umpqua River Valley
Nothing beats a weekend away to recharge in nature...the best weekends are spent hiking in the mountains, breathing in fresh air, chasing new views and relaxing around the campfire with friends. One of my favorite places to escape for a weekend is the Umpqua River Valley. Located just three hours south of Portland and 30 minutes east of Roseburg, this little piece of paradise offers miles of trails covered with mossy green forests, lush waterfalls and hot springs waiting to be explored.
I swear this place is MAGICAL...it's quite possible that ferries live here and you may never want to leave. It's a Pacific Northwest paradise filled with tons of trails lined with mossy green covered trees leading to the most beautiful waterfalls and rustic hot springs perfect for soaking at the end of a long day exploring the outdoors.
I have visited in all seasons and must say you really can't go wrong, however, visiting during the winter and late spring can definitely pose some extra challenges. Below is a suggested 3 day/2 night waterfall chasing escape to this special place in Southern Oregon. There's always the option to stay longer as the area offers a range of outdoor activities from mountain biking to horseback riding, white-water rafting to exploring nearby Crater Lake National Park and so much more.
After we parked and paid the day use fee, we set out on the trail crossing over the bridge for a quick, steep 1/3 mile hike to the hot springs. We arrived to discover there are eight pools, one covered, perched on top of a hill overlooking the North Umpqua River. The pools are connected by small channels and temperatures range from 100 to 115 degrees with the pools getting cooler the further down the hill. There is a short, steep trail off to the left of the springs which leads to the river below for anyone who wants to cool off between dips.
We relaxed and soaked in these amazing pools for a couple hours before deciding to head back to the car. Back at the trailhead, we made snacks at the picnic tables next to the river before venturing out to further explore the area. We realized that the hot springs trail is a spur off the Umpqua River Trail, a 79 mile continuous trail broken into 11 segments. This segment is referred to as the Dread & Terror section and offers some of the most beautiful landscape in the North Umpqua River area. Hiking this part is HIGHLY recommended...at least the first two miles as it brings you past multiple waterfalls, two of which are extremely unique. Surprise falls and Columnar falls can be found off the trail in the first half mile and definitely should not be missed!
After hiking up the trail for two miles, we headed back to camp to drop some things off and make lunch. A bit later we left and set out to explore more waterfalls nearby. We started at Toketee Falls trailhead which is a short drive from the campground. This is probably one of the more famous waterfalls photographed in Oregon. The two-tiered 113 foot waterfall is absolutely breathtaking and only requires a short half mile hike in. (Trip Tip #3)
Our next destination was located just over a 15 minute drive East of Toketee Falls. Clearwater Falls is another unique beauty found in what I like to refer to as the waterfall mecca of Oregon. These falls are reached by an easy half mile hike which is accessible in spring, summer and fall. In winter months the parking area may be closed depending on snow levels so additional hiking may be required.
The last planned stop for the day was Watson Falls, the 3rd largest in Oregon. This waterfall comes crashing down over a huge 272 foot wall of basalt rock onto a floor of large rocks covered in green moss and lichens. It is a short but steep 1/3 mile hike up to the falls. After crossing the bridge, you can continue up the trail to another viewpoint which offers a bench to rest and take in the view before heading back down the trail.
After soaking in the natural beauty and cooling off in the mist from the falls we decided to return to camp. We packed up some more snacks and water and headed back to the hot springs for a relaxing soak to end our day. When we pulled up there were significantly more cars this time but to our surprise there was plenty of room for us to sit and soak.
Before we knew it, a couple hours had passed so we headed back to camp, made dinner by the fire and snuggled up in our sleeping bags. The next morning we woke up feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to conquer another day of adventure! Like everyone who visits here should, we started our morning soaking in the hot springs. This morning we literally rolled out of our bags, grabbed our things (jet boil and coffee included) and went to soak the morning away. The morning was perfect; the air was cool, the fog was hovering above the river crashing below as we were sipping on coffee and soaking it all in. I could have literally stayed here all day.
After a few hours, we went back to pack up camp and start the drive home. On the way back towards Roseburg, there were a couple waterfalls yet to explore. Falls Creek Falls was the first stop; a two-tiered waterfall reached after a 1 mile hike. Our last stop on the way back home was Susan Creek Falls. This gorgeous waterfall did not disappoint! After a .8 mile hike, we were greeted with a stunning view of the 50 foot waterfall plunging over moss lined rock cliffs. If you continue on the trail .4 miles you can see the Susan Creek Indian Mounds. This was a place where young Indian boys approaching manhood came to build stone piles and spend the night searching for visions from their guardian spirit. (Trip Tip #4)
With our happy and full souls, we hopped in our car and headed back home reminiscing on all the amazing places we were able to visit in just under 48 hours. On the way back to Portland, we stopped at a cute little town off I-5 called Oakland, Oregon. It's a quaint little town with a historic downtown dating back to the mid 1800s. I highly recommend stopping at Tolly's Grill and Soda Fountain; a cute full service restaurant and bar with an original marble-topped counter and walls filled with antiques. They offer old fashioned soda fountain, an ice cream parlor, candy store and gift shop as well. It's a great place to stop off for a bite to eat and reminisce on an epic weekend chasing waterfalls and soaking in hot springs!
Once you pass Glide on Hwy 138 east of Roseburg, there are limited options to buy food, ice, gas or anything you may need. There is a Dollar General on the east end of Glide just off the main highway that is a great place to stop for any last minute essentials.
↠ Tip #2 - Hot Springs Tips
Toketee Falls campground as it's just under a 15 minute drive to the Umpqua hot springs. I would recommend to stay here and take advantage of the proximity to the hot springs by soaking mornings and nights!
The hot springs are open from sunrise to sun down. There is also a $5 per vehicle day use fee. Please note that the hot springs are a clothing OPTIONAL area and there will likely be nudity present.
Remember to hydrate!! Bring water, snacks and an extra plastic bag to pack out your trash (and other's). There are also picnic tables at the trailhead next to the river for before or after your soak.
In winter months, the forest service road to the hot springs trailhead may be closed depending on snow levels. You can still park outside the gate and hike in; this adds approximately 2 additional miles to the 1/3 mile hike to the hot springs.
↠ Tip #3 - Seasonal Trail Tips
Toketee Falls trail is open year round. In the winter months snow and ice may make the trail slippery and unsafe in some areas. You may want to have light crampons or cleats with you if you want to attempt this in snow/icy conditions.
In winter months to visit Clearwater Falls, park your car at the turn off to the trailhead and hike in. Depending on snow levels, crampons or snowshoes may be needed.
In the summer ticks, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets can be common on the trail, please remember to bring any necessary precautions.
↠ Tip #4 - Additional Notes
Besides the Susan Creek Indian Mounds, the Umpqua River area offers historical and geological points of interest to visit such as the basalt columns, indian pictographs, Mott Bridge, Diamond and Lemolo Lakes, Illahee lookout, old growth forests and much more.
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| Hiking the Umpqua River Trail |
I swear this place is MAGICAL...it's quite possible that ferries live here and you may never want to leave. It's a Pacific Northwest paradise filled with tons of trails lined with mossy green covered trees leading to the most beautiful waterfalls and rustic hot springs perfect for soaking at the end of a long day exploring the outdoors.
 |
| Falls Creek Falls |
I have visited in all seasons and must say you really can't go wrong, however, visiting during the winter and late spring can definitely pose some extra challenges. Below is a suggested 3 day/2 night waterfall chasing escape to this special place in Southern Oregon. There's always the option to stay longer as the area offers a range of outdoor activities from mountain biking to horseback riding, white-water rafting to exploring nearby Crater Lake National Park and so much more.
 |
| Umpqua River Trail |
Our journey started on a Friday afternoon as we drove down I-5 enjoying the Willamette Valley scenery and the warm summer sun. We were headed to Toketee Falls Campground hoping to arrive in time to set up camp before sunset. In total it was a little over four hours drive time with a quick pitstop in Glide on the way to pick up some last minute essentials such as ice and firewood. (Trip Tip #1 see below) With that being said, you will want to make sure to plan ahead and bring all of your meals, campfire materials, water, ice, cash (for hot springs fee) and other essentials you will want in order to make your weekend getaway perfect and relaxing!
We arrived, checked in and set up camp just in time to start making dinner as the sun was setting in the backdrop. As dinner was ready, we pulled up our chairs around the camp fire to relax. It was the perfect way to unwind after the long drive on a Friday work week. With a full weekend of exploring ahead, we decided to crawl into our tent and cozy sleeping bags under the starry sky and get ready for the adventures ahead!
The next day I woke up in my own little piece of heaven; the birds were chirping, the morning air was cool with the scents of the fresh pine. I could feel the first beams of the sun poking through my tent waking me up to welcome the new day. I love waking up outside and I was excited for the day ahead. I knew there were at least 10 waterfalls in the area to explore and I was finally going to visit a place that had been on my bucket list since I moved to Oregon! We woke up slow, packed our bags for the morning and hopped in our car to head towards the Umpqua Hot Springs trailhead. The hot springs are just a short drive from Toketee Campground which is why we choose to camp here. (Trip Tip #2)
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| Umpqua Hot Springs |
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| Umpqua Hot Springs |
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| Columnar Falls |
After hiking up the trail for two miles, we headed back to camp to drop some things off and make lunch. A bit later we left and set out to explore more waterfalls nearby. We started at Toketee Falls trailhead which is a short drive from the campground. This is probably one of the more famous waterfalls photographed in Oregon. The two-tiered 113 foot waterfall is absolutely breathtaking and only requires a short half mile hike in. (Trip Tip #3)
 |
| Viewing platform at Toketee Falls |
The last planned stop for the day was Watson Falls, the 3rd largest in Oregon. This waterfall comes crashing down over a huge 272 foot wall of basalt rock onto a floor of large rocks covered in green moss and lichens. It is a short but steep 1/3 mile hike up to the falls. After crossing the bridge, you can continue up the trail to another viewpoint which offers a bench to rest and take in the view before heading back down the trail.
After soaking in the natural beauty and cooling off in the mist from the falls we decided to return to camp. We packed up some more snacks and water and headed back to the hot springs for a relaxing soak to end our day. When we pulled up there were significantly more cars this time but to our surprise there was plenty of room for us to sit and soak.
 |
| Watson Falls |
After a few hours, we went back to pack up camp and start the drive home. On the way back towards Roseburg, there were a couple waterfalls yet to explore. Falls Creek Falls was the first stop; a two-tiered waterfall reached after a 1 mile hike. Our last stop on the way back home was Susan Creek Falls. This gorgeous waterfall did not disappoint! After a .8 mile hike, we were greeted with a stunning view of the 50 foot waterfall plunging over moss lined rock cliffs. If you continue on the trail .4 miles you can see the Susan Creek Indian Mounds. This was a place where young Indian boys approaching manhood came to build stone piles and spend the night searching for visions from their guardian spirit. (Trip Tip #4)
 |
| Susan Creek Falls |
With our happy and full souls, we hopped in our car and headed back home reminiscing on all the amazing places we were able to visit in just under 48 hours. On the way back to Portland, we stopped at a cute little town off I-5 called Oakland, Oregon. It's a quaint little town with a historic downtown dating back to the mid 1800s. I highly recommend stopping at Tolly's Grill and Soda Fountain; a cute full service restaurant and bar with an original marble-topped counter and walls filled with antiques. They offer old fashioned soda fountain, an ice cream parlor, candy store and gift shop as well. It's a great place to stop off for a bite to eat and reminisce on an epic weekend chasing waterfalls and soaking in hot springs!
↠ ↠ Trip Tips ↞ ↞
↠ Tip #1 - Know Before You Go
The area offers over 30 campgrounds to choose from along with limited lodging options such as Steamboat Inn and Diamond Lake resort. It is best to plan ahead as many of the campgrounds are only open seasonally. Once you pass Glide on Hwy 138 east of Roseburg, there are limited options to buy food, ice, gas or anything you may need. There is a Dollar General on the east end of Glide just off the main highway that is a great place to stop for any last minute essentials.
↠ Tip #2 - Hot Springs Tips
Toketee Falls campground as it's just under a 15 minute drive to the Umpqua hot springs. I would recommend to stay here and take advantage of the proximity to the hot springs by soaking mornings and nights!
The hot springs are open from sunrise to sun down. There is also a $5 per vehicle day use fee. Please note that the hot springs are a clothing OPTIONAL area and there will likely be nudity present.
Remember to hydrate!! Bring water, snacks and an extra plastic bag to pack out your trash (and other's). There are also picnic tables at the trailhead next to the river for before or after your soak.
In winter months, the forest service road to the hot springs trailhead may be closed depending on snow levels. You can still park outside the gate and hike in; this adds approximately 2 additional miles to the 1/3 mile hike to the hot springs.
↠ Tip #3 - Seasonal Trail Tips
Toketee Falls trail is open year round. In the winter months snow and ice may make the trail slippery and unsafe in some areas. You may want to have light crampons or cleats with you if you want to attempt this in snow/icy conditions.
In winter months to visit Clearwater Falls, park your car at the turn off to the trailhead and hike in. Depending on snow levels, crampons or snowshoes may be needed.
In the summer ticks, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets can be common on the trail, please remember to bring any necessary precautions.
↠ Tip #4 - Additional Notes
Besides the Susan Creek Indian Mounds, the Umpqua River area offers historical and geological points of interest to visit such as the basalt columns, indian pictographs, Mott Bridge, Diamond and Lemolo Lakes, Illahee lookout, old growth forests and much more.
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