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Southern
Oregon:
Cow Creek Tour Route
Cow
Creek |
Length:
45 miles / 72.0 km
Time to Allow: 1-2 hours minimum.
Fees: No fees known.
Driving
Directions
The route starts at exit 103, 21 miles south of Roseburg. The route loops
toward the west and ends when it joins I-5 at exit 80, 18 miles north
of Grants Pass.
Description
The Cow Creek Tour Route is a refreshing break from the steady highway
pace; this 45-mile detour wanders with Cow Creek as it dips through the
Coast mountain range. The route is spread with quaint farms and ranches,
stately forests, massive rock outcroppings, and spring waterfalls.
Depending
on the season, you can absorb the plethora of wildflowers or the bright
reds and yellows of autumn. The route is covered in history. You can see
mines and tailings from the last operating nickel mine and smelter in
the continental U.S.
Also, shortly
after you pass Tunnel No.1 of the Historic Oregon and California Railroad,
you can pan for gold just as miners did nearly 150 years ago. Two steel
girder bridges along the route (built in 1905) are still in use today.
Source:
© National Scenic Byways / U.S. Department of Transportation
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