We are very fortunate that Douglas County, Oregon has many unique, fun, family-focused recreational and outdoor adventure activities to experience. As a long-time resident and real estate agent, I am often asked about things to do in our beautiful Douglas County so, I am excited to share my insider knowledge with you and highlight my favorite, hidden gems that make our region within Oregon something truly special.
Douglas County Has So Much To Offer
From stunning natural beauty to charming small towns and unique local businesses, Douglas County has so much to offer its residents. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something to love in this beautiful corner of Oregon. My wife and I and our four kids have made so many wonderful memories exploring our community together and we would love to share it with you as well. Though this article contains only a handful of the vast sites and opportunities available within Douglas County Oregon. we believe these highlights will get your adventures off to a great start and impart to you a feeling you are truly living an amazing life!
Following are some of our suggested cool things to do in Douglas County;
Explore The Outdoors In Douglas County
If you are looking for some great outdoor experiences in Douglas County, you have come to the right place. We detail a few of the unique nature attractions in the area that we think you will find amazing.
Diamond Lake
We love going to the many lakes in southwest Oregon because wakeboarding is definitely one of our favorite water sports! An exceptional spot for wakeboarding and more is Diamond Lake. Weekends at Diamond Lake with the family are where it’s at, whether it’s hiking around the lake in the summer or building a campfire and sledding in the winter. Our snow day trips in the winter have become very special in our family. My kids love getting bundled up and building a fire in the snow, making smores, and spending the day going sledding on the mountain surrounding the lake.
We have made some precious memories in this stunning spot that offers day visits or weekend cabin stays,(staying in the cabins on the lake is something we have yet to do but is definitely on the list). Amazingly, after so many years there are still things we haven’t even done yet! However, if you are interested in amazing snow play, campfires, and sledding in the winter, and swimming, boating, and wakeboarding in the summer I highly recommend looking into Diamond Lake.
Susan Creek Falls
My wife and I recently hiked to Susan Creek Falls with our kids, and we were all blown away by the stunning waterfall that was waiting for us at the end of the hike. It’s a great day trip that can accommodate both adults and active children. There was a fire not too long ago in the area that threatened the beauty of this place but it has recovered well and is wonderful and lush yet again.
The hike to Susan Creek Falls is moderately difficult and takes you through a beautiful forest, where some awesome rock passageways make it incredibly unique. We brought our Golden Retriever Leland and he loved it so much. People are friendly when you pass them on the trails and it adds to a perfect day trip to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise.
North Umpqua River
The many rivers around Douglas County make this area incredibly special, not to mention scenic. I’ve spent many days rafting and catching sun rays doing the different relaxing river float routes on the North Umqua. It is a great group activity for family and friends for sure. Just bring a small ice chest of your favorite drinks and relax for a couple of hours floating from point A to point B.
One river trip we really enjoy is putting in at Amacher Park and ending at Hestness Landing. It is easy and relaxing. But if you are interested in something more thrilling there is kayaking and rafting on the North Umpqua River, with rapids that can get pretty challenging, making it an adventure only for the experienced and brave. I definitely wouldn’t recommend attempting it with no experience, thankfully there are guided tours and guides with expertise which include the necessary equipment rentals and safety gear.
Douglas County Food and Fun Favorites
Winston Diner
The Winston Diner is a local place that took me a while to discover. This is one of those hidden gems that’s so easy to miss but when you find it it’s like WOW! So, you’re welcome! It’s a very cool retro classic diner and its portions are generous! I don’t say this lightly, especially about burgers but the Western is the best burger I have ever had and never disappoints! The service is friendly and the prices are fair. The fries and milkshakes are simply amazing! I highly recommend making a visit a priority if you love amazing casual dining.
Brosi Farms
Brosi Farms is a favorite of our family. My wife and kids love visiting for fresh produce and U-pick options. We always make a day of it watching them fill their bowls or baskets with fruit and they always end up eating so much along the way. We all eat too many cherries, every time!!
There is a secret place at the back of the corn maze area where you will find a pond with a giant apple shooting slingshot that is so much fun. There are rings in the water and you try to shoot the apples into the rings. Plus we compete to see who can launch their apples the farthest. Dad usually wins that one, but we all have a great time. Seasonally we also enjoy the corn maze, the pumpkin patch, and hay rides. You won’t want to miss it!
Fun Family Experiences To Try In Douglas County
If family fun is what you are looking for, Douglas County has some interesting, unique options for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites.
Wildlife Safari
My family and I have visited Wildlife Safari many times. The kids love it and it seems to never get old for them. We always have a blast driving through and seeing the animals up close. My kids love to feed the animals as they come right up to the car and eat from your hands! It’s so cool. To be driving and have a giraffe walk in front of your car is an experience let me tell you. Also on the drive, you get to experience lions (these guys are in cages thankfully hahaha), zebras, rhinos, elephants, red pandas, and flamingos!
One of the best things about Wildlife Safari is that the park is free for day use and you can take the kids to enjoy ice cream while walking around and seeing all the animals. My younger kids love the petting zoo, which is free as well. There is a park playground where the adults can sit and relax while the kiddos play and a restaurant if you get hungry. We are very grateful to have something like this right in our backyard and we think you will enjoy it as well.
Graffiti Weekend
Graffiti Weekend is big around here. It is a classic car show with a fun parade. The community gathers together to see all the cars on display and showing off their gear. My kids love the live music and food vendors, and waving at the families who load up in their cars and pass by. It is so cute to see all the happy proud kids showing off their family’s prized vehicles! Also, there is a bit of a tradition that they throw out candy to all the spectators as they drive by. It’s a fun event for the whole family!
Lavender Festival
My wife LOVES the Lavender Festival, so you men should take note and surprise your girl by planning to go. We recently attended the Lavender Festival with our family and it was fun! We even volunteered.
The Lavender Festival is a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views, and the best part is all the local vendors. They recently added the option to do yoga in the lavender, if that is something that interests you.
Don’t forget to check out the delicious food, and the u-pick lavender! Every year we get a beautiful lavender wreath for our front door at home and it smells amazing when we walk in!
Unique Attractions & Date Night Ideas
Roseburg’s Street Art
My family and I love walking around downtown Roseburg and admiring the vibrant murals, including the stunning butterfly painting that to us represents transformation and new life. Its brings so much character to our downtown. Its definetly a must see and a great spot to get a picture in front of.
Downtown Roseburg
Date nights are so important in a marriage. Downtown Roseburg helps with that! There are so many restaurant options, true kitchen, brixgrill, oldsoulpizza just to name a few. It’s always a nice evening walking the downtown area all lit up beautifully before and after a nice dinner, while olding hands and keeping the spark alive.
Best New Addition In Douglas County
Bar Run Golf and RV Resort
We haven’t been here yet but we are hearing so many good things about Bar Run. We are planning to go check it out very soon. From what we can see and have heard, the new golf course offers unique and challenging holes but its much more than just Golf! The resort is beautiful and relaxing with numerous amenities, featuring beautiful cottages with panoramic views of the course and the Umpqua river. It is also an RV resort with everything that you could need or want, even a lazy river pool.
Douglas County Oregon, Has A Lot To Do
I hope you have been blessed with some great ideas of things to do in Douglas County. These are just some of the hidden gems that make Douglas County a wonderful place to live and play. Whether you’re a long-time resident, just visiting or considering relocating to the area, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Oregon.
If you’re considering moving to our area, I’d love to show you around and introduce you to all the local treasures that make our region so special. Reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help.
