Myrtle Creek is a cozy town in southern Douglas County, just 18 miles south of Roseburg. It sits along the South Umpqua River, where North and South Myrtle Creeks meet.
With around 3,500 residents, the town has a friendly, close-knit feel, and its downtown still shows historic charm.
Myrtle Creek is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation and relaxed small-town living. Visitors can explore historic covered bridges, enjoy the scenic river, sample local wines, and discover unique locally owned restaurants and shops.
Downtown Myrtle Creek
Myrtle Creek History
Founded in the mid-1800s, the town was named after the nearby Oregon myrtle trees.
In 1854, Lazarus Wright, one of the area’s early settlers, established the first local post office — an important step in forming a permanent community.
A few years later, landowner John Hall officially platted the town, mapping out streets and lots and helping Myrtle Creek grow into an organized settlement.
The town developed as a logging community and remained closely connected to the timber industry for many decades. Today, traces of its past can still be seen in the historic downtown area and the two covered bridges that stand as reminders of its early years.
Horse Creek Covered Bridge over Myrtle Creek
Myrtle Creek - Things to Do and See
Downtown & Local Character
The town’s main street feels like a step back in time. Instead of chain stores and strip malls, you’ll find locally owned restaurants, small shops, and unique businesses that reflect the community’s character.
Myrtle Creek Covered Bridges
Myrtle Creek is home to two distinctive covered bridges.
Neal Lane Bridge - Built in 1939, this 42-foot covered bridge crosses South Myrtle Creek. It is the only covered bridge in Oregon featuring a kingpost truss design.
Horse Creek Covered Bridge - Constructed in 1990 using timbers from the original Horse Creek Bridge in Lane County, this bridge now connects the city parking area to Mill Site Park.
Myrtle Creek - Highway Bridge over South Umpqua River
Outdoor Activities
One of the best things to do in Myrtle Creek is to enjoy the great outdoors at the South Umpqua River. You can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and rockhounding along the riverbanks for agates and quartz.
During the warm summer months, the river becomes especially popular. Clear mountain water flows through shallow wading areas and deeper swimming holes.
Water temperatures stay cool early in the season due to forest shade and mountain origins, gradually warming to about 70°F near South Umpqua Falls by late August.
The South Umpqua River features extensive gravel bars, particularly through the middle and lower sections near town. These accessible areas are popular with local rockhounds.
Common finds include sugary quartz, clear agate, and jasper. With patience, collectors may also discover carnelian, petrified wood, quartz crystals, and sparkling schist.
If you enjoy wine tasting, Myrtle Creek is a great place to start. Right in town, you’ll find Pyrenees Vineyard & Cellars, and just a short drive away in Winston are Wild Rose Vineyard and Freed Estate Winery.
About 20 miles north near Roseburg, the Umpqua Valley has many more wineries to explore, where you can taste local wines and enjoy scenic vineyard views.
