Zen Den Yogi

From waterfalls to whitewater, the North Umpqua River region is a summertime playground that stretches along the river corridor from Roseburg to near Crater Lake in the northern part of the 1-million-acre Umpqua National Forest. There’s almost too much to choose from in this area. Some visitors enjoy a heart-thumping paddle down Class IV rapids; others prefer a gentle float. You can grab a fly rod to angle for steelhead, explore breathtaking waterfalls or find a swimming hole for a lazy day. Here’s how to plan your outdoor adventure in Umpqua country.

Crater Lake isn’t the only spectacular water feature in Southern Oregon. The mountains and valleys of the entire volcanic region are dotted with waterfalls that provide a rushing, watery exclamation point to many hikes. Springtime is best to catch high-volume falls bursting with fresh snowmelt, but you’ll enjoy them all year round — expect cooling mists on hot summer days and vibrant views amidst fall foliage.

If you’re looking for winter fun, Southern Oregon has it all — including ice skating, skiing and sledding. Towns in the region go all out for the holidays, too, with a banquet of festivals, parades, artisan fairs and tree lightings. Load the family in the car and choose from these four wintry getaways.