Less than 180 miles south of Portland, but with a warmer year-round climate, Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley is a favorite destination for family vacations. Hikers can enjoy miles of trails along the Thundering Waters corridor. History buffs can dive into fascinating exhibits about the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians or the region’s gold-mining history at Douglas County Museum, and kids will flip over the chance to help feed red pandas at the Wildlife Safari. Crater Lake National Park, 92 miles east, is even a possible day trip. And right in the middle of all the action is Bar Run Golf and RV Resort in Roseburg.
But be warned: While there’s lots to do in the area, once you get to Bar Run Resort, you may not want to leave. A former gravel mine, this RV resort pays homage to its history with old mining artifacts scattered throughout the property, including a dragline bucket (a kind of excavator) on the golf course and a mining car that dumps water onto the lazy river. Here’s how to make the most of your stay at Bar Run — no RV or impressive golf skills required.
Play a Round and Float the Lazy River
Live for tee time? Be sure to hit Bar Run’s newly designed Dan Hixson golf course. Eighteen holes are situated beside the South Umpqua River and are landscaped with large natural ponds and towering cottonwood, oak and maple trees. Keep an eye out for nods to local and golf history scattered throughout the course, including a reclaimed bridge and the old property line named “The Wall,” marked with a replica of the wall that runs through North Berwick Golf Club in Scotland. Kids are welcome and get discounted fares with an accompanying adult.
To cool off after your round, head for the one-of-a-kind swimming pool, which was designed by a former Disneyland attraction engineer and includes a lazy river. Indulge your spirit of adventure by spelunking through a replica mine shaft that takes you over a bridge to the pool itself.
After you shower off in the tree-shaped shower, grab your floatie and drift your way through the lazy river. Kids will especially enjoy floating under fun water features while spotting camouflaged animals placed around the pool area. Then get some post-swim snacks at the fully stocked concession stand, or head for the 21-and-up observation deck for a cocktail. And, coming soon, there will also be cornhole, a pickleball court and a playground.
Stay in a Cottage or Park Your RV
Bar Run Resort’s pool complex is only open to guests and golf members with a pool add-on, so you’ll want to reserve a stay in a campsite or one of the many on-site cottages. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, living areas and views of the golf course. There’s also the Quarry House, a converted shipping container with a garage door that opens to overlook the 18th fairway, and tiny houses with loft sleeping quarters that make kids feel like they have their very own fort.
If you have an RV, you can set up camp in one of the resort’s 62 back-in or pull-through campsites, which include full hook-ups. If you don’t have an RV but would like to rent one, nearby Adventure Bound Easy RV Rentals can deliver one for you.
Cool Down With Wine Tasting and Shave Ice
From your home base at Bar Run Resort, the Umpqua Valley is your playground. It’s home to over 20 wineries, including Melrose Vineyards just 4 miles west, Cooper Ridge 6 miles northwest and Girardet, 20 miles southwest (kids are welcome at all with adult supervision). Or take yourself on a self-guided driving tour of the Great Umpqua Food Trail to visit farms and artisans making everything from jams and jellies to pizza and pinot noir. Depending on the season, you might nibble blueberries and hazelnuts, pick your own fruit and lavender, or even sip medieval-style mead.
About 15 miles north in Sutherlin, you can watch old movies at the Radio Days Theater of the Mind Museum and enjoy an island-style meal at Wailani Shave Ice Creations & Island Grindz. Then head 5 miles north to the historic town of Oakland, where you can peruse antique shops and take a self-guided walking tour of beautiful houses and buildings.
