Cow Creek Backcountry Byway overview

The Cow Creek Backcountry Byway is a scenic drive in the South Umpqua watershed of Oregon, stretching for about 50 miles between Riddle and Glendale. The route takes visitors through a diverse landscape of rolling hills, forested slopes, and grassy meadows, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. Some of the highlights along the way include the historic Cow Creek Bridge, the Cow Creek Canyon overlook, and the Cow Creek Falls. The area is also rich in cultural history, with several Native American sites and pioneer homesteads to explore. Camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting are popular activities in the Cow Creek Backcountry Byway, which is open year-round, though some sections may be closed during winter months due to snow and ice.

One of the main reasons to visit the Cow Creek Backcountry Byway is its scenic beauty and natural diversity. The area is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including black bears, cougars, deer, elk, and eagles, as well as rare plant species such as the Oregon white oak and the Nelson's checker-mallow. The Cow Creek Falls, a 20-foot waterfall set in a mossy grotto, is a popular spot for picnicking and swimming in the summer. Additionally, the area offers a glimpse into the cultural history of the region, with interpretive signs and displays providing insights into the lifestyles and traditions of the indigenous people and the early settlers who lived in the area.