Oregon is known for it’s beautiful weather and endless outdoor exploration opportunities. And that’s all thanks to its many farms, forests, beaches, and mountains! Tourists love to visit places like Crater Lake National Park, The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount Hood.
But there is one more lesser-known area off the beaten path which mostly only locals know about and enjoy: Umpqua.
In this post, you will learn a little more about Umpqua and why you should visit.
Umpqua, Oregon
So, what is Umqua, anyway? It’s a teeny little town south of Sutherlin, nearby the Umpqua River. The Indian’s named it Umpqua because the word means, “place along the river”. The whole area only has about 100 people living there, which explains why it’s not too well-known. But, don’t miss out on this stop.
Things to See and Do
The Umpqua River is perfect to visit at any time of year because it’s beautiful in every single month. You can cross over Loon Lake Bridge, marvel at the waterfalls, go fishing and water rafting during most of the seasons.
Located close to the River is Henry Estate Winery. Oregon is known for having many fine wineries, but Henry’s is one of the best. It’s also one of the oldest in the region. Join the tasting room daily from 11am-5pm.
Once you’re ready to get back out into nature, add Steamboat Falls to your list. You might think if you’ve seen one waterfall, then you’ve seen them all. But Steamboat Falls will prove you wrong. It’s right off the road and easy to get to. You can make a day trip, or turn it into an overnight stay at their campground.
Umpqua National Forest is another outdoor gem in the area. You can go hiking on the trails and stop at the hot springs. It’s dog-friendly. But not always children-friendly, as you might run into some skinny-dippers.
Enjoy
Have you been to Umpqua before? Did we miss any great spots to visit? Let us know in our comments. We’d love to hear from you.
