Take a Scenic Drive on Oregon’s One and Only Highway of Waterfalls for an Unforgettable Adventure

There's nothing like taking a long, scenic drive through Oregon's magnificent scenery or past some of Oregon's most beautiful waterfalls. But when it comes to exploring our state's most spectacular cascades without the grueling hikes, one special area is (literally) overflowing with falls. Lovingly called the Highway of Waterfalls, Highway 138 is a gorgeous road that winds alongside the North Umpqua River past tons of amazing waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds, and more. A scenic drive on this beautiful highway will lead you on an unforgettable Oregon adventure.

Known as the Highway of Waterfalls, the scenic Highway 138 weaves through south-central Oregon along the North Umpqua River. It's without a doubt one of the most spectacular drives you can take in the state. Between Roseburg and Diamond Lake, this beautiful section of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway passes numerous waterfalls, campgrounds, and hiking trails.

Along this route, you'll have access to Whitehorse Falls, Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, Clearwater Falls, Susan Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and more. As you cruise along the road, keep an eye out for trailheads and waterfall parking lots where you can pull over and explore at your own pace.

One of the most amazing waterfalls you'll find along the route is Toketee Falls, which cascades 120 feet into a gorgeous blue basin. A short, easy walk leads to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on this route and a sight that you don't want to miss.

You can also make a stop at the 272-foot Watson Falls, just a couple of miles down the road, and Susan Creek Falls, a magical cascade located at the end of an easy 0.75-mile walk.

Heading east along the waterfall highway, you'll eventually reach Diamond Lake, a stunning alpine lake offering amazing views of Mt. Theilson and Mt. Bailey. It's a wonderful place for swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, or just relaxing on the shore.

If you'd like, you can extend your excursion to include the legendary Crater Lake. This stunning mountaintop lake is the deepest in the country and is easily one of Oregon's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Want to spread the trip out over a couple of days? There are numerous camping spots along the route, including the Clearwater Falls Campground, which offers easy access to the lovely spring-fed waterfall it's named after, and the four campgrounds at Diamond Lake.

When you're feeling adventurous, a scenic drive to see these beautiful waterfalls in Oregon is perfect for an unforgettable day trip or weekend getaway. Every season has something new and magnificent to display! Be sure to bring a camera along!

Have you ever driven Highway 138 or the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway? Are you a helpless waterfall chaser always looking for the prettiest hidden waterfalls in Oregon? You're in luck! Find even more beautiful waterfalls to visit in Oregon this season, and don't forget to pack some road trip snacks to enjoy along the way.