Roseburg Travel Guide

Explore the top attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and more with our travel guide to Roseburg, Oregon.


Introduction to Roseburg

Nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon, Roseburg is a small city known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, historical attractions, and warm hospitality. Situated in the Umpqua River Valley, this charming city features an abundance of scenic views, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, Roseburg offers plenty of reasons to visit. In this travel guide, we have compiled a list of the top must-visit places, outdoor adventures, food and drink options, cultural attractions, and more to help you plan the perfect trip to Roseburg.

List of Places to Visit in Roseburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Roseburg is a city with a rich history, and there are numerous museums and historical sites that showcase this. The Applegate Trail Interpretive Center is a must-visit for those interested in the pioneers’ history, who crossed the country in the mid-1800s, to settle in the West Coast. The Douglas County Museum is another important attraction, exhibiting artifacts from the region’s past, including the history of the Native Americans who lived here, as well as a detailed exhibit about the Civil War and World War II. A visit to the Fort Umpqua replica is also worth a visit.

Natural Attractions of Roseburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Roseburg is home to a number of beautiful natural attractions. Hike through the thick trees of Crater Lake National Park, visit the breathtaking North Umpqua River, marvel at the stunning Toketee Falls, fish at Diamond Lake, or experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Umpqua River. For those who love to hike, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway offers several notable trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Roseburg

Hiking and biking are quite popular in Roseburg, and there are several scenic routes that offer beautiful views. The famous North Umpqua Trail is an ideal choice for hiking, exploring waterfalls, and camping with your loved ones. Offers magnificent views of hot springs and jagged peaks, it deservedly calls itself a “National Scenic Trail.” The Umpqua River Trail is another popular choice, which allows you to experience waterfalls, alpine meadows, and pristine streams along the 79-mile trek.

Best Things to Do in Roseburg: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and outdoor activities, there are plenty of things to do in Roseburg. Take a Wine Tour and savor some of the best wines of the Pacific Northwest or take a guided fishing trip to catch some fish with your loved ones. Enjoy an afternoon at Stewart Park or swim at Galesville Reservoir. For those seeking a thrilling adventure, take a hot air balloon ride, sky dive above the Umpqua Valley, or drive the local racing track.

Week-Long Itinerary for Roseburg

Day 1: Start with a visit to the Douglas County Museum, followed by a picnic at Stewart Park.

Day 2: Hike the North Umpqua Trail through the breathtaking waterfalls.

Day 3: Book a guided fishing trip on the Umpqua River, followed by an afternoon wine tasting.

Day 4: Visit the Applegate Trail Interpretive Center, followed by a trip to the Fort Umpqua replica.

Day 5: Drive through Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway and take a leisurely walk through the Umpqua National Forest.

Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride or skydive above the Umpqua Valley.

Day 7: Stroll through the local farmer’s market and experience the local food scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Roseburg

Roseburg offers an exciting culinary scene, from craft breweries and wineries to farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie or love to sip on the finest wines, Roseburg has something to offer everyone.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Roseburg include Timothy’s at the Garden’s crab cakes, creamy clam chowder from McMenamins Roseburg Station Pub and Brewery, and the Garden Valley Salad from True Kitchen.

Local Beverages

The Umpqua Valley is part of the Pacific Northwest’s wine industry, producing top-quality wines that are appreciated worldwide. Visit wineries like Abacela, Delfino Vineyards, and HillCrest Vineyard to taste some of the finest wines. If beer is more your thing, the World Famous Umpqua Brewery has a wide range of craft beers, including Pale Ale, Nut Brown, and IPA.

Where to Stay in Roseburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Roseburg offers plenty of accommodation options to suit your budget. From budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts, there’s something for everyone. Some great choices include Red Lion Inn and Suites Roseburg, Best Western Garden Villa Inn, or Crater Lake Gateway-Graham’s Restaurant.

What to Buy in Roseburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Roseburg, appreciate the local talent and buy local stuff that carries a charm of its own. Visit the Farmers Market for local produce, stop by Cow Creek Gallery for Native American crafts, or check out the Umpqua Valley Art Center for handmade pottery and ceramic work. The handmade gourmet chocolate from Lillie Belle Farms and the famous Rogue River Blue cheese are also must-buy items.

Local Culture and Customs of Roseburg

Roseburg is known for its warm hospitality, which is evident in the way the locals treat their visitors. Their culture can be experienced in the local farmers’ markets, cultural centers, and art galleries.

Best Time to Visit Roseburg

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the ideal times to visit Roseburg due to their mild weather conditions, and there are fewer crowds. For those who don’t mind the heat, summers offer perfect weather for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Roseburg

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Enjoy the many outdoor activities that Roseburg has to offer.
  • Sip on some of the finest wines as you explore the wineries.

Don’t:

  • Litter or cause harm to the local environment.
  • Ignore the traffic laws while driving.

Safety and Health

Safety in Roseburg

Roseburg is a safe city, but visitors should still take necessary precautions and remain vigilant. Be aware of the natural surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night to stay safe.

Health in Roseburg

Roseburg has several health care facilities such as Mercy Medical Center, Roseburg VA Health Care System to provide medical attention to visitors during emergencies.

Getting to Roseburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Roseburg

The nearest airport to Roseburg is Eugene Airport, which is situated about 77 miles north of the city. Visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi service to reach the city.

Bus Stations Near Roseburg

Greyhound offers bus services to and from Roseburg through their station located on NW Washington Ave, downtown.

Other Options

Renting a car or driving provides the freedom to explore Roseburg at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Roseburg

Roseburg is well-connected with roads, and visitors can rent cars or bikes to get around the city. The bus services are also available for those who prefer public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Roseburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Roseburg is an excellent base for exploring Southern Oregon. Drive to Crater Lake National Park and explore the stunning beauty with hiking trails or head to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for sandboarding and four-wheeling.

Conclusion

Roseburg has so much to offer, and it’s no wonder that visitors come back year after year. From outdoor activities, cultural attractions, to delicious food and drink, Roseburg is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled vacation. We hope this tour guide has inspired you to start planning your trip to Roseburg.