Climbing up from I-5, through a heavily forested section of the Cascade Mountains, Oregon's highways 138, 234, 62 and 230 trace two of the state’s most scenic rivers. Starting out from Roseburg, a town with its roots in the lumber industry, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway heads eastward toward Glide, famous for two colliding rivers. Here the North Umpqua meets the Little River head on. Under flood conditions, the Little River and the North Umpqua River join in a violent collision. During a late summer flow the rivers join in a common pool. A nature trail and overlook provide great views of this unique geologic phenomenon.
   Following the North Umpqua River on the Highway of Waterfalls, Route 138 continues eastward passing a handful of marvelous waterfall sites. Stops include Susan Creek, Fall Creek, Toketee, Watson, Whitehorse and Clearwater falls. As the byway turns southward after Clearwater Falls, it reaches Mount Thielsen, Diamond Lake and the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park. Bypassing Crater Lake to the east, the byway begins to follow the Rogue River's rapid plunge toward the southwest. Here the wild and scenic Rogue River thunders through a deep, narrow gorge, shaded with thick evergreens.
   Fly fishing anglers, whitewater enthusiast, and vacationers are guaranteed to enjoy the dramatic sights and sounds along this 172 mile byway. Photographers and artists are also captivated by these awe-inspiring rivers and gorges. Clearwater Falls, Watson Falls, Susan Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls are few of the area’s 15 favorites waterfalls found alongside the byway. When considering this vast collection of historic sites, waterfalls, majestic vistas and overlooks (including the beautiful Crater Lake), one would be hard pressed to take in all these stops in one day.

     Byway Map