Oregon abounds in waterfalls and white-water rivers, but in the town of Glide, 12 miles east of Roseburg, you'll find the only place in the state where rivers collide. At the interesting Colliding Rivers Viewpoint, the North Umpqua River, rushing in from the north, slams into the white water of the Little River, which flows from the south, and the two rivers create a churning stew. However, this phenomenon is really only impressive during times of winter rains or during spring snowmelt season.
If you'd rather just paddle the river in a kayak or raft, contact North Umpqua Outfitters (tel. 888/454-9696; www.nuorafting.com), which charges $105 to $125 for its rafting trips.
At the turnoff for Toketee Reservoir, you'll find the trail head for the .5-mile hike to Toketee Falls. This double cascade plummets 120 feet over a wall of columnar basalt and is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state. The viewing area is on a deck perched out on the edge of a cliff. Unfortunately, in 2009 the trail was not open to the public because falling trees had damaged the wooden walkway to the falls overlook. Also in this same area, past the Toketee Lake Campground, you'll find Umpqua Hot Springs, which are down a short trail. These natural hot springs perch high above the North Umpqua River, on a hillside covered with mineral deposits. As with the Toketee Falls trail, the trail to these hot springs was closed in 2009 due to an unsafe bridge. Check with the U.S. Forest Service before planning to visit either of these locales. For longer hikes, consider the many segments of the 79-mile North Umpqua Trail, which parallels the river from just east of Glide all the way to the Pacific Crest Trail. The lower segments of this trail are also popular mountain-biking routes.
At Diamond Lake, just a few miles north of Crater Lake National Park, you'll find one of the most popular mountain recreation spots in the state. In summer the popular and somewhat run-down Diamond Lake Resort (tel. 800/733-7593 or 541/793-3333; www.diamondlake.net) is the center of area activities. Here you can rent boats, swim at a small beach, and access the 10.5-mile paved hiking/biking trail that circles Diamond Lake.
Near the community of Union Creek, west of Crater Lake National Park on Ore. 62, are the Rogue River Gorge and a small natural bridge formed by a lava tube. The gorge, though only a few feet wide in places, is quite dramatic and has an easy trail running alongside.
In winter Diamond Lake Resort serves as the region's main snowmobiling destination, but it's also a decent area for cross-country skiers, who will find rentals and groomed trails at Diamond Lake Resort. There are also many more miles of marked, but not groomed, cross-country ski trails in the area; the more interesting trails are found at the south end of the lake. Snowmobile rentals and tours are also available. You can also do some downhill skiing on untracked nearby slopes through Diamond Lake Resort's Cat Ski Mt. Bailey (www.catskimtbailey.com), which charges $350 for a day of skiing and also offers multiday packages. For more information on these activities, contact Diamond Lake Resort (tel. 800/733-7593 or 541/793-3333; www.diamondlake.net).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
