We’re Off to the “Land of Umpqua”

Seniors, I’ll bet that you have no idea where we’re going today.  I just was sent a neat travel brochure on Roseburg, Oregon.  What does “Umpqua” mean? “Thundering waters” or “across the waters” are two popular translations for this surviving word of the Umpqua language. Another definition is “satisfied” – as in a full stomach, so take your pick.

Roseburg is located on Interstate 5 between Grants Pass and Eugene, approximately 125 miles north of the California border. To pinpoint Roseburg even more, the city is about 80 miles inland from the Pacific coastal communities Reedsport and Coos Bay. Roseburg has a population of approximately 20,000 residents.

The local Visitor’s Center has a listing of those attractions that bring folks in from all over the nation. Senior travelers will  find six covered bridges along with the Applegate Trail, the Douglas County Museum and a fabulous Oakland Historic District. For you “birders” they claim 320 species. Boating, biking, skiing, hiking and Diamond Lake provide choices for senior visitors to the area. Known as “Oregon’s Oldest Fine Wine Region” as well as “America’s Last Undiscovered Wine Region”,  I counted 22 wineries in the area including a Becker Vineyard that I had to plug, as yours truly is a Becker.

Roseburg is Unspoiled

Part of a water wonderland crowned by the world famous Umpqua River, the gentle climate creates limitless recreational opportunities among lush forests and cascading waterfalls. With only 19 people per square mile, Roseburg has many unspoiled areas to explore and you can have a great picnic in 345 acres of parks within the city limits.

The lakes, rivers and reservoirs of Douglas County provide ample boating and fishing settings, especially on the beautiful North Umpqua, a river that’s famous among fishermen. The North Umpqua offers fishing opportunities for trout, salmon, bass, and is one of the world’s only rivers with a native run of summer steelhead.

Roseburg and several surrounding communities provide a glimpse into the past as seniors will enjoy visiting their historic structures and districts. Just five miles north of Roseburg at Winchester Dam you will find a unique fish ladder where visitors can observe salmon and steelhead in their native environment on the North Umpqua River through a viewing window.

National Scenic Byway

There are numerous scenic byways in the US and 172 mile route within the Umpqua and Rogue River and National Forests offers an inspiring drive through southern Oregon’s panorama of rivers, mountains and forests. Two of Oregon’s most beautiful and renowned rivers bookend this breathtaking tour through the thickly forested southern Cascades.

So set your compass for Roseburg, senior citizens…the winters are cool without much freezing and provide most of the rainfall that brings blossom-filled springs. A warming trend begins in April and May, continuing into the summery days of July and August. Fall weather is pleasant and crisp, producing brilliant leaf colors in late October. You’ll enjoy Roseburg.  jeb