Our Perfect Morning in Umpqua National Forest
We recently had the best 24 hours in Oregon!
With a primary road trip destination in Northern California, we decided to make a quick trip to Oregon to check out Crater Lake National Park. Not only was our small Oregon experience the highlight of our 6-day trip, but the National Park was probably our least favorite part of our time there. Not because Crater Lake wasn’t great, because it was, but because everything else was so incredible.
Here are the details.
We arrived at Crater Lake National Park on a cold, rainy September day. Snow was in the forecast and the wind was strong. We checked out the visitors center, the gift shop, and, of course, the lake itself. It was large and beautiful but with the weather conditions, the iconic blue lake was gray and foggy. We didn’t hit any trails and part of the loop road that takes you around the lake was closed. But no worries! This was bad planning on our part. We were still happy to be there and glad we got the experience! The big takeaway here is to check the weather and visibility before you hit this National Park!
Continuing on!
Making our way out of the park and to our Airbnb, we entered Umpqua National Forest. Now, if you are looking to feel like you’re in one of the Twilight movies, this is the place to go. Think moody, conifer forests.
Our Airbnb was the perfect place to enjoy Umpqua. We stayed at the Mountain Mama Lodge on the North Umpqua River! The place was filled with personalized details, the host was very responsive, and it was cozy! It is a sleepover-style stay. There are two queen beds and two pull-out couches in one room, which actually made it really fun!
It is in an ultra-rural area and our closest food source was the gas station down the hill so we grabbed some goods for the night there. After dinner, we cozied up around the firepit outside for some s’mores that our host provided with the essentials for. This is also where we gathered before sunrise the next morning for coffee with the sounds of the river in the background. The ultimate peaceful morning.
After coffee, we set out to hike to Umpqua Hot Springs for a sunrise dip. We got a tip from the locals that it is best to go in the mornings and during the week to avoid crowds. And luckily, this helped us out! There was only one other person at the 8 pools. HOWEVER, they were naked. We knew this was likely and it was no big deal, but do be aware that this is common!
The natural baths overlook the river and are surrounded by the forest. At 7 in the morning, it was crisp and foggy. Breathing in the fresh air while soaking in the pools was unbeatable.
After making the steep hike back down, we took a cold plunge into the river to cap off the experience. (We are not recommending this! Please be safe and be aware of the currents and temperatures!)
Back at Mountain Mama, we took advantage of the outdoor shower, which we loved!
Our last stop was the Steamboat Inn for breakfast. This little inn was adorable. The dining room has beautiful views. We devoured the Biscuits and Gravy, Three Egg and Cheese Omelet, Loggers Hash, and Stuffed Brioche French Toast, along with their house-made bread and strawberry rhubarb jam.
Coffee by a fire, a sunrise dip in hot springs, and a delicious breakfast at an adorable location made for the absolutely perfect morning and end of our mini-stay here.
If you have an adventure in this area yourself, please share it with us! There is so much to explore here (it is known as the Waterfall Highway) and we would love to go back!