If you’re into scenic driving, you’ve probably heard of Scenic Byway 12 in Utah, the Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana. You might have even driven each of these spectacular routes. But did you know that Oregon has its own claim to fame? The Highway of Waterfalls is a stretch of beautiful scenery in southwestern Oregon. Today, we’ll share more about this byway and places you should stop when you visit. Let’s dive in and hit the road along the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon!

Oregon is home to at least 238 waterfalls. Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most famous and most visited. It cascades 620 feet to the ground below, making it the tallest waterfall in the state.

Munson Creek Falls is another popular waterfall. It’s the tallest along the Oregon coastline at about 320 feet. But if you want to see more than a dozen waterfalls along a single drive, take the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, otherwise known as the “Highway of Waterfalls.”

Pro Tip: Check out these Top 10 Highest Rated Oregon Coast RV Parks if you’re making a trip out west to the Waterfall Highway!

The Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon is a 172-mile highway with 15 waterfalls along the way. Fly fishing is also popular along this route, and travelers enjoy additional scenic beauty and outdoor recreation at the various mountain lakes.

The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway isn’t a road to take in just a day. Instead, plan a few days to enjoy the drive and landscape, allowing yourself to stop at the small towns, hiking trails, and overlooks.

This route begins in Roseburg, Oregon just off I-5 and ascends into the southern Cascades towards Diamond Lake. Then, the byway turns south and follows the Rogue River to Gold Hill, the southern portal of the Highway of Waterfalls.

Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park sits east of this scenic byway. So, you could easily make a pitstop for a few days to explore this spectacular national park before continuing your drive either north or south to the end of the highway.

There isn’t a wrong time to travel the Highway of Waterfalls. Oregon is beautiful in the fall and winter and offers plenty of recreational activities. Just pick a time that works best for you.

If we had to choose, we’d recommend fall because the colors are spectacular. If you like to fly fish, the surrounding landscape will take your breath away as you spend a few hours on the North Umpqua River. But if summer vacation is the only time you can get away, the waterfalls will flow, and the attractions will be in full swing.

As you journey the Highway of Waterfalls, don’t book too many excursions or activities in one day. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the landscape, the local cuisine, and outdoor recreation. We recommend at least three days to traverse the entire Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. Although we only list three waterfalls, there are more you can explore!

The Susan Creek Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike with little elevation gain. It’s a popular trail because it’s suitable for most abilities. It ends at the 50-foot waterfall, but you can continue past to visit the Susan Creek Indian Mounds. You can also fly fish here or launch a raft or kayak. The Susan Creek Campground is nearby if you’d like to spend a night in this area.

The hike to Toketee Falls is shorter than the hike to Susan Creek Falls. It’s less than a mile round trip. The waterfall cascades a total of 113 feet, with a 28-foot upper tier and an 85-foot lower tier that plunges into a large pool. A viewing platform built into the cliff provides the perfect view.

Watson Falls is the third-highest waterfall in Oregon, tumbling 272 feet. This trail is more challenging due to the 360-foot change in elevation, but it’s still rated as moderate. A wooden bridge at the lower rapids gives you a fantastic view of the roaring waterfall. There’s also an upper viewpoint, but you’re likely to get wet. Be aware!

The Highway of Waterfalls turns south at Diamond Lake. You’ll find a resort here with a marina, motel, cabins, post office, cafe, pizza parlor, and more services. Visitors enjoy hiking, fly fishing, and horseback riding in the summer. In the winter, visitors ski, snow tube, snowshoe, and sled. The Diamond Lake Resort would be another prime location for a night or two.

The Rogue Gorge Trail along the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon is an easy 0.3-mile loop. It’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible because it’s paved and wide. Along the path are several viewpoints of the gorge where you can witness this powerful river. Don’t forget to stop along the interpretive exhibits to learn more about how this landscape was formed.

We’ve already mentioned how popular fly fishing is along this scenic byway. However, even if you’re not an angler, you’ll want to stop at the Fishing Hole Fly Shop. Here, you can book a guided fishing trip or whitewater rafting excursion. Locals will suggest what type of flies and tackle to use. There’s also a deli where you can grab lunch and a gift shop to pick out a few souvenirs.

Near the north end of the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon is Abacela Winery. They offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, handcraft pizzas on the weekend, and music on the patio during the summer. The founders and owners of the vineyard were the first to produce varietal Tempranillo in America. So what’s with the name? “Abacela” is an old Spanish verb that means “he/she/they plant a vine.”

We already mentioned the campground near Susan Creek Falls and the resort at Diamond Lake. But there are a few other places to stay as you spend a few days exploring the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon.

Union Creek Resort is the base camp of Crater Lake National Park. It’s also about 30 miles from the famous Mt. Thielsen, the “Lightning Rod of the Cascades.” The resort offers lodge rooms and cabins only. There is no campground. You’ll have easy access to hiking, biking, and waterfalls, and Beckie’s Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also an ice cream shop. 

On the north side of the scenic byway is Island Campground. It’s about 40 miles from Roseburg in the Umpqua National Forest. The campground is first-come, first-served, and near hiking and biking trails. There are only seven campsites, and it’s a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground. Maximum vehicle length is 24 feet. Island Campground is one of the more rustic locations along the drive.

Also located in the Umpqua National Forest, the Steamboat Inn has served customers for 60 years. The cabins are along the North Umpqua River, and the sound of the rushing waters will soothe you to sleep at night. If you appreciate locally sourced foods, the restaurant on-site works directly with local farmers, ranchers, and foragers. The Library Lounge offers a unique, relaxing place after a long day of exploring, hiking, fly fishing, and driving. The Steamboat Inn is about 38 miles from Roseburg on the north side of the Highway of Waterfalls.

The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway runs through the southwest corner of Oregon from I-5, through the Umpqua National Forest, along Crater Lake National Park, and back to I-5. Its southern end at Gold Hill is only about 45 minutes from the California border. So, if you’re road-tripping through northern California to visit Redwood National Forest, Mount Shasta, or Lassen Volcanic National Park, this scenic drive is just up the road.

Even though we only mentioned three specific waterfalls in our list, there are 15 along the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon. It’s a beautiful drive with dozens of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, take a hike, relax by a lakeside, and more. Have you ever driven Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls? What was your favorite stop?