Off the Beaten Paths
Last summer’s Archie Creek fire closed some of the Umpqua Valley’s most popular hiking trails, but there are countless other paths to follow.
Story by Brian Staffield Photos by Jonathan Cummings
Last September, the Archie Creek burned more than 130,000 acres of forest land and 109 homes along the North Umpqua River.
The fire ravaged some of the most beautiful and beloved sections of the Umpqua National Forest, closing popular hiking trails such as Susan Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls and sections of the North Umpqua Trail.
While the devastating event hasn’t revealed many silver livings, hikers may now find more motivation to go off their regular beaten path (they may have to) and seek out other trails in the area. There are still plenty of them to explore, with the payoff often being the discovery of new breathtaking views or a stunning waterfall.
The BLM Wildlife Management and Hiking Trail on North Bank Road, just north of Roseburg, offers hikers a workout with a view. This 7.4-mile loop provides a stunning view of rolling hills and the North Umpqua River.
The long trek provides a great workout and leads to the top of beautiful rolling hills that are a familiar feature of the Umpqua Valley landscape. It’s not uncommon to encounter equestrians riding their horses along the way.
This is a great hike for those who don’t want to venture too far from Roseburg, and more close-in trails could soon become a reality. The City of Roseburg has plans for a new hiking area at Sunshine Park off Diamond Lake Boulevard at the east end of town.
“We do have a preliminary concept plan to expand the trail system at Sunshine Park with approximately 3 miles of hiking and biking trails,” says Kris Ammerman of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
He says the city plans to apply this spring for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant administered by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) to partially fund the project. “Our bid for a grant last spring was denied, but we will try again this year,” Ammerman says. “The best-case scenario would be a successful RTP bid this year with construction to begin sometime in 2022.”
While the Archie Creek Fire scorched many popular hiking trails, there are still plenty of trails and world-class scenery to be found. There are short trails, trails that end at Instagram-worthy waterfalls, hidden gems around sapphire-colored lakes...even treks for those looking for a little “Dread and Terror,” a 13-mile trail that is anything but dreadful and terrifying.
Toketee Falls is a stunning local attraction that is well worth the 0.9 mile hike along the North Umpqua River in to it. Its basalt rock formation and triple-tiered falls is a feature on Instagram feeds far and wide. If you only have time for one hike while you’re visiting the Umpqua Valley, this one will not disappoint.
Less than three miles from Toketee Falls is Watson Falls, another favorite hiking destination, and several sections of the renowned North Umpqua Trail (NUT) are also nearby. The Deer Leap section is to the west and the Hot Springs section, to the east, leads to Umpqua Hot Springs. Further east on the NUT is Dread and Terror, a section that was clearly named after something other than the beautiful waterfalls and vistas that are its highlights.
Nestled in the mountains between the North Umpqua and Little rivers, the Twin Lakes are a bit off the beaten path, but they are worth the long drive on a graveled road to reach them and the panoramas of the Umpqua National Forest they offer.
Twin Lakes Mountain sits between the two ponds, offering waterfalls and caves for hikers to explore and the various trails that snake their way around them. Several camp sites are available around the lakes for those who enjoy backpack camping.
The Little River area offers a variety of hiking trails. A determined hiker could easily hit four waterfalls in one day while exploring the area. Wolf Creek Falls trail is a local favorite. The 1.2-mile hike through beautiful forested areas leads to a stunning 75-foot- tall waterfall. Hiking this trail in spring or early summer will ensure there’s plenty of water flowing over the falls.
Follow Little River further upstream, turn left at Lookout Mountain Road and travel the gravel road to Grotto Falls Trail, a short, steep hike that leads to the backside of Grotto Falls. Head back down to Little River Highway and travel further east until Lake in the Woods is on the right. There, two great hikes start on either side of the lake. Yakso Falls and Hemlock Falls both offer hikers moderately inclined hikes that end in stunning waterfalls.
Though some local favorites are temporarily closed, now is a great time to discover the scenic rewards offered along, and at the end of, the countless other trails leading through the incomparable Umpqua National Forest.
