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Cow Creek Back Country Byway

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Cow Creek Back Country Byway

The Cow Creek Back Country Byway is a scenic route that connects the towns of Riddle and Glendale. The route also sits between the Umpqua and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests. It follows Cow Creek, which offers a range of recreational activities, including panning for gold. Visitors can also camp, hike, swim, or fish along the byway, and there are also many gorgeous landscape photography opportunities.

Spring and fall are excellent times to drive along the route and view either bright wildflowers or stunning autumn foliage. There are also many interpretive signs along the way that describe the area’s history and its connection to the nearby railroad. There are some camping options along the byway, but you can find more camping choices by searching for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Shadow Falls Trail

Located in the Umpqua National Forest, this trail is ideal for hiking or mountain biking and is open all year.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wolf Creek Falls Trail

This gorgeous trail follows along Wolf Creek and passes through dense forests, making it perfect for spotting wildlife.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Susan Creek Falls Trail

This trail ends at the Susan Creek Falls, but visitors can continue to view the Susan Creek Indian Mounds.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Grotto Falls Trail

This short trail offers stunning views of the landscape and is particularly beautiful in the fall.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Yellow Jacket Loop

This trail bursts into stunning color during the spring months when wildflowers are most abundant.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Cow Creek is a fantastic location for swimming or fishing. Anglers can often catch walleye, steelhead, and smallmouth bass. Visitors can also pan for gold in areas that do not have an active mining claim. The nearby North Umpqua River is also a popular spot for fly-fishing and kayaking.

Climbing

The Terra Nova area to the west of the Cow Creek Back Country Byway is the best local area for rock climbing. There are several locations within the area that offer different climbing options. For example, Chockstone Gorge and the Spotted Owl Wall each feature eight sport climbs. The location known as Emerald City offers 13 sport climbs of varying difficulty.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can often spot wildlife as they drive along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway, but the nearby Umpqua National Forest also offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Native species include shrews, quail, elk, beavers, bats, rabbits, black bears, rattlesnakes, coastal tailed frogs, painted turtles, mountain lions, and a range of birds.

Picnicking

The Island Creek Day Use Area, which is located along the byway, is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic. The Fish Lake Picnic Site in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is also a good option. The site offers tables, restrooms, and drinking water, and larger groups can rent a covered picnic area with grills.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and more commercial camping options are available throughout the area around the Cow Creek Back Country Byway. The Sunny Valley Campground offers more than 50 sites with either partial or full hookups. Each site also has a picnic table and a fire pit. The Cypress Grove RV Park provides hookups and large, pull-through sites. There is also an on-site laundry area. The nearby Twin Pines RV Park offers a quiet camping experience in a beautiful area. There are restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Skull Creek Campground along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway. The campground offers five sites that are first come, first served. Visitors can also set up a dispersed site almost anywhere in the nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

RV Rentals Near Cow Creek Back Country Byway Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cow Creek Back Country Byway BLM trip

Cow Creek Road can be somewhat narrow, and there are several blind corners. Drive slowly and use caution in these areas because the road is frequently used by large logging trucks that cannot react as quickly as a smaller vehicle. There are also several private mining claims along Cow Creek. Be respectful of these areas, and never trespass on private claims or land.

The area around the Cow Creek Back Country Byway sees relatively mild weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures reach into the mid-80s, and rain is infrequent during June, July, August, and September. The spring, fall, and winter months see a bit more precipitation, and temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing during the winter. However, even in December and January, temperatures are usually in the 40s or mid-30s. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds require care and respect so that they can be enjoyed for years to come. Clean up any trash you see, and never litter. Keep fires controlled, and only build them in designated, pre-existing sites. Only use firewood that was collected locally. Observe animals from a distance, and never try to scare, threaten, or approach a wild animal. Don’t take any plants or animals home with you. Share the trail and the road’s common areas with other visitors, and be polite so that everyone can enjoy their adventure.

Cow Creek Back Country Byway Location

When approaching from Riddle or another town in the north, take Interstate 5 south to Exit 103. Head west on Riddle Bypass Road until you reach the byway. When approaching from Glendale or the south, take Interstate 5 north to Exit 80, and then, follow Country Road 263 to Country Road 39. Continue on Country Road 164, which turns into Cow Creek Road.

Roseburg District Office: 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Roseburg, OR 97471

Ready to visit Cow Creek Back Country Byway? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.