Best bird watching trails in Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

This trail leads to a 272 foot waterfall over basalt lava cliffs up the Umpqua River Valley. Watson Falls is the third highest waterfall in Oregon at 272 feet. It is the most beautiful waterfall along the North Umpqua River Valley. You will cross a wooden bridge below the falls that will put you right into the lower rapids with an amazing view of the falls as they roar over the basalt lava cliffs ahead.Show more

[Temporary Closure of Forest Road 1751 -- Roads 1751 and 1758-715 Closed Due to Damage from Heavy Rainfall. Coming from the south, (Cottage Grove side) Rd. 1751 is closed due to a landslide about 2 miles before the trailhead, you can park at the road closure and hike the road up to the trailhead. This turns the hike into roughly 7 1/2 miles.] This short and steep hike to the top of Mt June will reward you with views of the Three Sisters and the Cascade range. A former lookout site, the summit at Mount June is the area's tallest peak at 4,618ft. The hike is short at 1.2 miles from trailhead to peak, but there are some fairly steep sections. The hike will take you through a Douglas fir forest with rhododendrons scattered throughout. From the top you will get nice views of the Three Sisters as well as Diamond Peak.Show more

Little River drops 70 feet, as protruding rocks spread the water flow to make Yakso Falls a spectacular sight. The Yakso Falls Trail passes through an old-growth forest which has been selective logged and has many wildflowers during the early spring. Rhododendrons are plentiful and the waterfall is approximately 70 feet high.Show more

Two fantastic lakes sit below a 5,580 foot mountain and feature two old shelters and a campground equipped with picnic tables. A trail loops around both lakes and climbs to the top of the mountain for an overlook. There are a variety of lush trees and wildflowers.Show more

The Diamond Lake Trail, also known as the John Dellenback Trail, circles around Diamond Lake in Douglas County within the Umpqua National Forest. This paved bike path can be enjoyed by all bike types and biking abilities and is open to hikers, trail runners, and nordic skiers as well. The first half mile is wheelchair accessible. Horseback riding is prohibited along this trail. The bike path can be accessed from several points along the lake, including Diamond Lake Campground, South Shore Picnic Area, Diamond Lake Resort, Thielsen View Campground, and Broken Arrow Campground. The trail takes you along the lake and though the forest, passing many unique places in the area, and offers lake views of as well as beautiful views of Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen. The area provides many other activities for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are camping or visiting for a day trip, you can make use of the South Shore Picnic Area which has picnic units with picnic tables, barbecue pits, horseshoe pits, a swimming beach, a volleyball court, and a playground for kids. Diamond Lake Campground is equipped with two boat ramps for access to the lake, flush toilets, picnic areas, and showers. There is also a fish cleaning station, as there is excellent rainbow trout fishing on the lake. This area is beautiful place with activities for all ages and is especially busy during the summer season.Show more