Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway ~ Take Two
We had an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Conference in Ashland this past March so we choose to head home via the Rogue River section of the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway. And due to a very snowy winter we were unable to explore as much as we’d like. We’ll just have to return. Last fall we explored the Umpqua River leg of this incredibly scenic byway through the Oregon Cascades. Read about that in a previous post.
We caught Hwy 62 at Medford, Oregon, and headed east toward Prospect and the Historic Hotel and Dinner House where we planned to stay the night. The route ascends into the Rogue River canyon, into old-growth firs and lava flows. First stop, Butte Falls and then traveled Butte Falls – Prospect Road to Prospect. Took our friends, the innkeepers, out for pizza. It was our turn to treat.
Next morning we explored the beauty surrounding the Prospect Hotel, a few waterfalls, geocaches, roaring rivers and creeks.
Said goodbye to Fred and Karen and continued travel on Hwy 62 toward Chiloquin. Had a nice lunch at Becky’s Cafe in Union Creek. Unfortunately we were unable to stop at the observation platform overlooking the Rogue Gorge, a collapsed lava tube where the river now courses through a 25-foot-wide, 40-foot-deep chasm or the Natural Bridge interpretive site that explains how the river disappears through an underground lava tube, forming a land bridge. And there were a few more waterfalls we just couldn’t get into with the feet of snow. We’ll be back.
Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House is Crater Lake’s closest full service town and would be a perfect spot to refuel the body and soul while exploring Crater Lake and the Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway. Built in 1888 as a stagecoach stop half-way between the Rogue Valley and Crater Lake, this Nationally Registered Historic Hotel has been restored to all of its glory. After a hearty breakfast set off to enjoy this breathtaking tour through the thickly forested southern Cascades.
The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in Southern Oregon are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Life. Get to know our State like a local, stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our many regions. Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats. Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, taking in Oregon Geotourism, for a World Class City experience, or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
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