Basics
- Location:
- Southwestern Oregon along Cow Creek off I-5
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 45 miles (72 km)
- Time:
- 1-2 hours minimum
- Season:
- Drivable year round
- Fees:
- No fees known.
Description
The Cow Creek Tour Route takes a slower pace, rambling along Cow Creek and along the Coast Mountain range. Enjoy the farmlands and ranches along the way, as well as the mountain scenery, verdant forests, and spring waterfalls.
The Cow Creek Tour 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.
The drive is peppered with old mining remnants like tailings piles and mine shafts. Re-living mining history can be safe and enjoyable; try stopping to pan for gold in the creek just after Tunnel No.1 of the Historic Oregon and California Railroad. Canyonville is a small town to stop at along the way as it is Oregon's third oldest town. It served as a supply stop for early trappers and miners as it still can for travelers today. It also provided a place for travelers to rest after crossing the mountains and the "Dreaded Canyon," a dangerous entrance to the town.
Helpful Links
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Azalea (OR)
This small city has some conveniences for the traveler such as gas, hotels, and food.
Directions
Located near the Tour Route on the east side.
Canyonville (OR)
This city is the third oldest town in Oregon. It served as a supply town for early trappers and miners. It also provided a place for travelers to rest after crossing the mountains and the "Dreaded Canyon," a dangerous entrance to the city.
Directions
Located near the Tour Route in the north east.
Glendale (OR)
This small town rests near the bottom, or south end of the Tour Route. Its population is barely over 700.
Directions
South end of the Tour Route.
Railroad Tunnel No. 1 (OR)
This old railroad tunnel, built in the 1800s, is still standing. You can even come here to pan for gold in the nearby stream.
Directions
Near the west end of the Tour Route.
Riddle (OR)
This is the last place to stop for food or gas until the end of the Tour Route.
Directions
Located near the north end of the Tour Route.
Tri-City (OR)
This small city is located on the north end of the Tour Route. Come here to lodge, eat, or fill up on gas.
Directions
Located on the north end of the Cow Creek Tour Route.
Wolf Creek (OR)
This small town has many natural resources located nearby such as forest, mines, and oil.
Directions
Located near the south end of the Tour Route.
Wolf Creek Inn State Heritage Site (OR)
Also known as the Wolf Creek Tavern, this national historically registered inn was built in the 1800s. At one time the rooms, including bath and meal, only cost 75 cents. The price is still affordable today, though not as cheap.
Directions
Located near the south end of the Tour Route.
