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Roseburg, Oregon: The Ultimate Guide to Fun and Adventure!

Roseburg sits in the Umpqua Valley and there are over 20 wineries in the area. HillCrest Winery and Distillery is one of the oldest in Oregon. Abacela and Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards have the tasting rooms, and Melrose Vineyards does the Tempranillo and Syrah. Then there is the rest of it. The Umpqua River carries over 100 miles of fishing and rafting, the North Umpqua Trail runs 79 miles, and Wildlife Safari is a drive-through park with lions in it.

You have decided to visit Roseburg, Oregon, and you are in for a treat. This city sits in the heart of the Umpqua Valley, ringed by forests, rolling hills and the Umpqua River. There is plenty to do and see here for a wine lover, an outdoor enthusiast, a history reader or a family looking to fill a week.

The Wine Lover’s Paradise Roseburg is a wine lover’s paradise, with over 20 wineries and vineyards in the area. You can take a tour of the HillCrest Winery and Distillery, one of the oldest wineries in Oregon, and sample their award-winning wines and spirits. Or you can explore the Umpqua Valley Wine Trail, which takes you through picturesque vineyards and tasting rooms, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Outdoor Adventures in Roseburg. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options here. Hike or bike the miles of trails in the nearby forests, or take a scenic drive on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. Fish or raft the Umpqua River, or work through the waterfalls in the area. And for something more adventurous, zip-lining or rock climbing at the nearby adventure park.

Key Takeaways

• Roseburg is a wine lover’s paradise, with over 20 wineries and vineyards in the area.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love the miles of trails, scenic drives, fishing and rafting opportunities, and stunning waterfalls in the area.
• Roseburg has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for history, culture, family fun, or local specialties.

The Wine Lover’s Paradise

Wine lovers are in the right place in Roseburg, Oregon. The climate, the soil and the landscape between them make the Umpqua Valley home to some of the finest wineries anywhere. These are the ways to work through the wine here.

Sip and Swirl at the Wineries

Roseburg is home to some of the finest vineyards anywhere. You can spend a long weekend working through the wineries and tasting what they make. The HillCrest Winery and Distillery is where wine lovers should start. They produce some of the strongest Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling in the region. Melrose Vineyards is the other one to find. Their Tempranillo and Syrah are the orders.

Tasting Rooms: A Symphony for Your Palate

Roseburg’s tasting rooms are the fastest way into the valley. You taste a range and learn how tasting actually works. Abacela is one of the finest tasting rooms in Roseburg, and their Tempranillo is the order. Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards is the other one to find, with a tasting room in a strong setting and wines to match.

The Art of Wine Making

Roseburg is home to some of the finest wineries anywhere, and the way to understand the wine is to see it made. Cooper Ridge Vineyards is where to start. They run tours of the winery and cover the grape growing side properly. Foon Estate Vineyard is the other one, producing some of the strongest Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the region.

Wine lovers should go to Roseburg, Oregon. The landscape, the climate and the soil between them produce some of the finest wines anywhere.

Outdoor Adventures in Roseburg

Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat in Roseburg, Oregon. The city carries a long list of outdoor activities and it works for anyone who wants time in the landscape. These are the outdoor adventures in Roseburg:

Hiking Trails: Nature’s Treadmill

For a workout with scenery attached, hiking is the answer. Roseburg has a range of trails covering every level of experience. For a scenic hike, the North Umpqua Trail, a 79-mile trek through the Mount Thielsen Wilderness. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through Roseburg, with the Cascade Mountains in view.

Fishing and Rafting in Umpqua River

The Umpqua River is where the fishing and rafting happen. With over 100 miles of river to explore, finding a spot for trout or a rafting run is not the problem. New to fishing, hire a guide to show you how it works and land the first one.

Biking Trails: Pedal Power

Roseburg works for cyclists, with several biking trails to choose from. The Umpqua River Scenic Byway is the popular route, with the river and the surrounding mountains in view. You can also ride the Mount Thielsen Wilderness, with several trails covering different skill levels.

Roseburg, Oregon rewards outdoor people. The hiking trails, the fishing and rafting, and the biking between them will fill as many days as you have. Pack the bags, grab the gear and go.

Historical Treasures

History readers will do well working through Roseburg’s past. These are the places that will take you back in time.

Douglas County Museum: A Time Capsule

The Douglas County Museum is a time capsule covering the history of Douglas County. Native American culture through to the pioneers who settled the area, it is all in there. The collection of artifacts, photographs and documents tells the story of the region’s past. The exhibits cover the Oregon Trail, the timber industry and the Roseburg Blast. The museum also runs educational programs, workshops and events built for families and school groups.

Master Gardeners and the Discovery Garden

Gardeners should visit the Master Gardeners and the Discovery Garden. The Master Gardeners are volunteers who take gardening and horticulture seriously. They run workshops, classes and events for gardeners of any age. The Discovery Garden shows a range of plants, flowers and trees across different garden styles, a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden and a vegetable garden among them. It is open to the public and it costs nothing to enter.

Local history or gardening, Roseburg covers both. These are the historical sites worth the time here.

The Culinary Scene

Anyone after their next culinary adventure should look at Roseburg, Oregon. Farm-to-table restaurants through to local breweries, this city carries a serious food scene.

Restaurants: A Foodie’s Delight

For local produce, head to True Kitchen + Bar. The farm-to-table restaurant sources from local farms and ranches, so everything on the plate is fresh. Try the roasted beet salad or the grilled pork chop.

For a taste of Italy, check out Brix Grill. The room is cozy and the kitchen runs classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken parmesan. Save room for the tiramisu.

For something more exotic, head to Bangkok West Thai. The family-owned restaurant serves authentic Thai cooking that holds its own. Try the pad thai or the green curry.

Beer: The Other Brew

Beer people will do well with the local breweries in Roseburg. Start the tour at McMenamins Roseburg Station Pub & Brewery. The historic building was once a train station and now serves pub fare and handcrafted beers. Try the Terminator Stout or the Hammerhead IPA.

For local hops, head to Backside Brewing Company. The small brewery is known for creative beers like the Raspberry Wheat and the Peanut Butter Porter. They also serve snacks, soft pretzels and charcuterie boards among them.

Grab an appetite and head to Roseburg for the eating and drinking.

Events and Festivals

For a good time in Roseburg, you have come to the right place. This town runs a range of events and festivals through the year.

In February, the annual Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Festival marks the month of love. Sample local wines, chocolates and cheeses with live music and entertainment running alongside.

Come June, the Umpqua Valley Arts Association hosts the Summer Arts Festival. The three-day event shows the work of local artists and runs live music, food vendors and a beer garden.

August is when to visit Roseburg for classic cars. The Graffiti Weekend Car Show is a four-day event featuring classic cars, hot rods and custom vehicles. There is also a street fair, live music and a sock hop.

In December, the Festival of Lights is the event to catch. The entire town is decorated with over half a million lights, and there are parades, live music and visits from Santa Claus.

Whatever time of year you visit Roseburg, something is happening. Keep an eye on the events calendar and plan the trip around it.

Accommodation Options

On accommodation in Roseburg, you have a few choices. Somewhere with style or somewhere homely, both are here.

Stay in Style

For somewhere with style, consider the Prayer Rock Inn. The bed and breakfast is a genuinely unusual place to stay. The rooms are cozy and comfortable and the property sits in a strong setting. The rate is reasonable and the location works for exploring the area.

A Homely Retreat at the Carriage House

For a homely retreat, the Carriage House. The bed and breakfast is comfortable and quiet. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed and the property sits in a quiet area. The rate is reasonable and the location works for exploring the area.

Whatever your preference, Roseburg has something that suits. Style or a homely retreat, both are covered.

Roseburg sits on the Umpqua River, off Interstate 5 in southern Oregon. It is small. Downtown holds the restaurants, the boutiques and the Douglas County Museum, and Stewart Park is close in with three playgrounds and a golf course on it. Wildlife Safari is a short drive out and it will take a full morning with children in the car. The wineries are spread through the valley, so pick two rather than five. Umpqua National Forest and the waterfalls are further out again.

Art and Culture

Oregon carries a real art and culture scene and Roseburg is part of it. Art galleries through to museums, the range is here. These are the places to check out:

Umpqua Valley Arts

For an unusual art experience, Umpqua Valley Arts. The non-profit promotes the arts in the region through exhibits, classes and events. Painting, sculpture or something else entirely, the programme covers it.

The collection of art made from recycled materials is the highlight at Umpqua Valley Arts. What these artists make from things that would otherwise be thrown away is the part people remember. And you can take a class and learn how to do it yourself.

Museums: A Peek into the Past

History readers will do well with the museums in Roseburg. They cover the region’s past, from the days of the Oregon Trail to the present. These are the museums to find:

The Douglas County Museum of Natural and Cultural History: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the region. From fossils to Native American artifacts, there’s something for everyone here.

The Applegate Trail Interpretive Center: This museum tells the story of the Applegate Trail, which was an alternative route to the Oregon Trail. You’ll learn about the challenges that pioneers faced as they made their way west, and you’ll even get to see a replica of a covered wagon.

The Southern Oregon Historical Society: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of southern Oregon, and it does so through a variety of exhibits and events. You’ll learn about the region’s logging industry, its Native American heritage, and much more.

Whatever your interests, Roseburg’s art and culture scene will match them. Take a break from the outdoors and work through it.

Visitor Experiences

Tourist Reviews

You have made it to Roseburg, Oregon, and the question is where to start. Tourist reviews are a reasonable answer. Tripadvisor is where to look. You can read what other travelers enjoyed in Roseburg and what they recommend. A second opinion is useful when you are planning an itinerary.

Photos: Capturing Moments

A picture is worth a thousand words, so capture the Roseburg trip properly. Professional photographer or someone who likes taking pictures, Roseburg gives you plenty to work with. The landscape through to the activities, the shots are there. Bring the camera or the phone.

One Tripadvisor member wrote about an anniversary trip to Roseburg: a wine tour, some of the local museums, a hot air balloon ride, and so many photos that the couple were still working through them afterwards. They said they could not wait to come back.

Another Tripadvisor member said, “Roseburg is such a beautiful city, and there are so many great photo opportunities. We took a lot of pictures of the covered bridges, the waterfalls, and the wildlife. We even got some great shots of us kayaking down the river. It was such a fun experience, and we have the photos to prove it.”

Grab the camera and start exploring Roseburg.

Family Fun

For family time in Roseburg, the options are here. With that range of activities and attractions, everyone finds something. These are our top picks:

Wildlife Safari: A Roaring Adventure

To get close to some wild animals, head over to Wildlife Safari. You drive through the park and see lions, tigers and bears from inside your own car. Keep the windows rolled up; nobody wants an unwanted passenger.

There is more than the drive. At Wildlife Safari you can also take a guided walking tour, where you feed and interact with the park’s tamer animals. Camels through to kangaroos, the list of animals to meet is a long one.

Playgrounds: Where Fun Meets Frolic

For somewhere to let the little ones burn off energy, Roseburg has plenty of playgrounds. A simple swing set or a full jungle gym, both are available and they cover every age.

Stewart Park is one of our favorites, with three separate playgrounds for the children to work through. With that many slides, swings and climbing structures, they will be occupied while you sit on one of the park’s many benches.

Grab the friends and family and head over to Wildlife Safari or one of Roseburg’s many playgrounds. The only regret is not doing it sooner.

Golfing in Roseburg

For golf in Roseburg, you are in luck. With several 18-hole courses in the area, there is one that suits your game.

The Stewart Park Golf Course is the popular one in Roseburg. The public course sits near the city center and it is challenging without being punishing. They run golf lessons too, for anyone working on their game.

For a more private round, check out the Roseburg Country Club. The course is a strong one with the surrounding mountains in view. The restaurant handles the meal after a long day on the course.

For something different, the Bar Run Golf & RV Resort. The newly constructed course sits just outside town and the golfing is genuinely good. They also run RV and cottage rentals if you want to stay.

Whichever course you choose, the golf in Roseburg holds up. Bring your A-game and plenty of sunscreen.

Local Specialties

In Roseburg, the local specialties are worth working through. Olive orchards through to sustainable gardening, this town carries a lot. These are the items to try:

Olive Orchard

Olive people are in for a treat. Roseburg is home to several olive orchards producing genuinely good olives. Stuffed, marinated or plain, there is one to suit.

Charcuterie

Charcuterie is the fancy word for cured meats, and Roseburg does them properly. The range covers salamis, prosciuttos and other cured meats. Pair them with local cheese and wine.

Farm Eggs

Breakfast people will take to the farm-fresh eggs in Roseburg. The eggs are laid by chickens that roam free and eat a healthy diet. The difference in taste and texture against store-bought is obvious.

Coffee Machine

Coffee people are covered. Roseburg has some of the finest coffee machines around, traditional drip makers through to espresso machines that make you feel like a barista. Grab a cup and take it with you.

Wine Fridge

Oregon is known for its wine and Roseburg is part of that. The local wines are worth putting in a wine fridge and keeping at the right temperature. Open one with dinner.

Sustainable Gardening Practices

Roseburg takes the environment seriously and its sustainable gardening practices show it. Several local farms use organic methods to grow their produce. Support them by buying their fruit and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day around Roseburg?

Start the day with a cup of coffee from one of the local cafes and then head outdoors. Take a hike to Watson Falls or walk through the Discovery Garden. For something more adventurous, rent a kayak or paddleboard and get on the Umpqua River. End the day with dinner at one of the local restaurants.

What are some unique outdoor activities to try in Roseburg?

For something different, try disc golf. Riverfront Park has a course that works for beginners. For something braver, take a hot air balloon ride over the Umpqua Valley. And there is always fishing, hiking and camping in the Umpqua National Forest.

Where can I find the best shopping in Roseburg?

Roseburg is a small town and it carries plenty of places to shop. Head downtown for the boutiques and antique stores. Or check out the Roseburg Valley Mall for the familiar brands. And take advantage of Oregon’s tax-free shopping while you are here.

What upcoming events should I mark on my calendar in Roseburg?

Something is always happening in Roseburg. Mark the annual Douglas County Fair and Rodeo on the calendar. And do not miss the Umpqua Valley Arts Association’s summer concert series. There are also local farmers markets and art festivals through the year.

What’s the most delicious restaurant in Roseburg?

Roseburg has a lot of strong restaurants to choose from. For steak, head to Charley’s BBQ & Steakhouse. For fresh seafood, check out Brix Grill. And for something more unusual, the Parrott House Restaurant & Pub. Wherever you go, the eating in Roseburg holds up.

Frequently asked questions about Roseburg, Oregon

How long is the North Umpqua Trail near Roseburg, Oregon?

79 miles, running up through the Mount Thielsen Wilderness, and you walk sections of it rather than the whole thing. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through as well. Both are real hikes and neither is a stroll.

What is Wildlife Safari in Roseburg, Oregon?

A drive-through park where you stay in the car and the lions, tigers and bears do not. Keep the windows up. There is also a walking tour where you feed the tamer animals, camels and kangaroos among them, which is the part children remember.

Which winery should you pick in the Umpqua Valley?

HillCrest Winery and Distillery for the Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling, and because it is one of the oldest in Oregon. Abacela for the Tempranillo alone. Melrose Vineyards for the Tempranillo and Syrah, and Cooper Ridge Vineyards if you want the tour of how the wine is actually made.

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