About the Area
Welcome to the Umpqua Valley
Mountains and Valleys
Douglas County is in southern Oregon conveniently located off of the Interstate 5 corridor. The county is surrounded by lush forests, streams, lakes and valleys stretching from the Oregon Coast to the Cascade Mountains. Roseburg is the county seat and centrally located within Douglas County making it an ideal spot for enjoying the outdoor splendor of the Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua and the Cascade Mountain Range.
Hiking
Douglas County maintains 28 hiking trails east of Roseburg. In addition to these hikes, there is the North Umpqua Trail that begins 22 miles east of Roseburg and is 79 miles long. This world-renowned trail winds along the North Umpqua River offering views of lush vegetation, the river, extreme rock formations, and 16 waterfalls. This developed trail is open to mountain bikes, horseback riding and is a great place for photography.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing in Oregon is found in the Umpqua Valley. The Umpqua Valley hosts many styles of fishing from the North Umpqua River to the ocean at Winchester Bay and many lakes and reservoirs in between. The North Umpqua River is internationally recognized for its fly-fishing as well as other fishing styles. Operators within Douglas County offer professional guide services on the rivers and the ocean. There are also fly-fishing classes offered if you want to learn or improve your technique.
Biking
Umpqua Valley offers a variety of biking opportunities for various skill levels and interests. There are scenic bike paths along the South Umpqua River and throughout the City of Roseburg. The rolling hills of rural roads and the climb toward the Cascade Mountains have routes specifically tailored to fit whatever experience you’re after. There are mountain-biking trails along the world-renowned North Umpqua Trail or “NUT” which also provides camping options.
Coast
Douglas County stretches from the Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean. Reedsport is just over an hour from Roseburg and offers a variety of activities such as salmon fishing, whale watching, and sandboarding. There are beautiful sand dunes and beaches for picnics and riding ATV’s. The Oregon Dunes are not only the largest sand dunes in the USA, they are also unique in the world as they have a diversity of environments all coming together in one 40 mile stretch of more than 31,000 acres. More than 30 lakes, rivers, streams, ocean, estuaries, sloughs, forest and desert landscapes all blend into one spectacular ecosystem of beauty and diversity. There are countless miles of hiking trails and over 40 % of the area is open to off road vehicles such as dune buggies, sand rails, quads and motorcycles.
Wineries
Douglas County’s climate has been recognized as ideal for growing wine grapes and has recently enjoyed growth of this industry, now home to over 30 wineries. There is an amazing variety and quality of award-winning wine to experience. Varietals include Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Viogner, Grüner Veltliner, Syrah, and Baco Noir. With the green rolling hills, peppered with varieties of trees and plants, as well as wildlife, wine tasting is becoming a favorite pastime for residents and visitors alike.
Breweries
Oregon is known for craft brewing and Roseburg is home to no less than 7 microbreweries with new ones emerging each year. The local breweries are active in the community. Hosting fundraising events and offering bus tours of wineries and other breweries in the area are just a few examples of this growing industry.
Attractions
Two of the top family attractions in Oregon reside in Douglas County, Wildlife Safari and Crater Lake National Park. Wildlife Safari hosts a world-renowned cheetah breeding program as well as one of only two hands-on elephant experiences in the nation. Up close and personal animal encounters, drive thru and village viewing of over 600 animals make Wildlife Safari a popular place for residents, families and visitors. Crater Lake is the only National Park in the State of Oregon and is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet deep. Crater Lake National Park’s 183,224 acres provides panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, the beauty of the lake and many hiking trails around the rim of the crater and down to the lake.
Family
Douglas County also offers golf, tennis, softball, baseball, football, soccer and many other sports and activities for families and children. There are four golf courses in Douglas County, three of which are open to the public. The tennis facilities in Roseburg include 11 outdoor courts and 6 indoor courts all open to the public with one of the best indoor facilities outside of the Portland Metro area. Downhill and cross country skiing are as close as Mt. Bailey and Diamond Lake. Swimming, boating and waterskiing are all popular summer activities on the local rivers and reservoirs. There is no shortage of family fun and entertainment in the Umpqua Valley.
About Douglas County
Douglas County was established in 1852 and covers 5,071 square miles from the coast to the mountains. The average temperature in July is 84 degrees and in January it is 48 degrees. The elevation ranges from sea level in Winchester Bay to 9,182 feet in the Cascade Mountains. The diversity of the land and area is similar to the diversity of the people living in Douglas County. Many visitors decide to make Douglas County their home because of the climate, beauty and plethora of activities. If you would like to find out more about what Douglas County offers, please visit these links:
Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce
The Myrtle Creek-Tri City Area Chamber of Commerce
Education
Douglas County is home to a total of 14 school districts. Of those, Roseburg is the largest. Roseburg area schools have a reputation for excellence and include one 4-yr high school, two middle schools and nine elementary schools. Private schools, nursery and day care facilities, as well as a charter school, are also available in Douglas County. Umpqua Community College (UCC) is located north of Roseburg on the banks of the North Umpqua River. UCC is a 2-year public school offering adult instruction, technical, vocational, liberal arts and pre-professional transfer courses.
Roseburg Public School District 4