Whether you are out to trek some trails and see some sights with the kid carrier, dog leash or the whole clan – the North Umpqua Trail has 79-miles of the most scenic trails in Oregon. Along the “Highway of Waterfalls” – the National Scenic Byway of Highway 138 – visitors have plenty of hiking options that are sure to fit your family adventure.
Fall Creek Trail is a short and beautiful hike for families, including your leashed dog. The trail mainly follows the creek’s edge, providing ample access to the swimming holes as well as featuring a wooden bridge and waterfall. The easy, mile-long trail is located in Fall Creek on Highway 138, about 6-miles east of Steamboat. Watson Falls is the third highest waterfall in Oregon and highest in Southern Oregon. It’s an easy, .5-mile hike to see this gorgeous waterfall plunging 272-feet and the basalt cliffs surrounding it. The trail is off Highway 138, just past the east entrance to Toketee Ranger Station.
Toketee Falls is a sight to be seen. The well-known 113-foot, tiered waterfall pours down the side of basalt cliffs into a blue pool on this easy, .8-mile round-trip hike. Turn off Highway 138 onto Road #34, the west entrance to Toketee Ranger Station. In the summer, the pool below the falls is a popular swimming hole. The trail can be a bit congested, but is great for kids and leashed dogs.
Closer to town also provides a variety of family-friendly hiking with no lack of beautiful scenery.
Whistler’s Bend Park Loop is an easy 1.3 trail that hugs the North Umpqua Trail. The slight 154 feet in elevation gain makes it a breeze for kids, stroller pushing and dog walking. Make it a full day or weekend trip by staying at Whistler’s Bend County Park and Campground. The beautiful park includes 147 acres situated on the North Umpqua River. Guests enjoy meadows, varied forests, fishing, a disc golf course, picnic areas, swimming and more. The park and trail is located at 2828 Whistler's Park Road, about 15 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138.
Stewart Park Bike and Trail System is located right in Roseburg and has miles of great paved paths that circle around town for a great family bike ride or easy stroll. The path lines the river and has plenty of park pit-stop locations. Check out the City of Roseburg bike and path system below.
