Work and Play–South County Style

Work and Play sends you in a wide circle through fascinating communities and landscapes.  The trip begins and ends at Stanton County Park where there are RV and camping spots, toilets, and play structures for kids. 

The ride takes you through rural Oregon, and past four of our best-known, family-owned wood-products mills:  C and D Lumber, Herbert Lumber, Roseburg Lumber, and DR Johnson Lumber.  These innovative companies have been a mainstay of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley economy for generations and provide needed employment for many people in the area.  You will experience some of this “Work” part of the ride when you see log trucks roll by and notice the bustle of activity in the area around the mills, all near Riddle, Oregon. 

Please don’t ride through the millwork areas.  There’s often too much activity for everyone to be safe.  Truck drivers are generally courteous to cyclists but please Share the Road respectfully with them, too.

You can ride this loop in either direction.  Traveling clockwise will take you through Canyonville, Oregon first.  This way takes on the two climbs earlier in the ride and ends with the most scenic portion.  The road through Canyonville often carries a moderate amount of traffic but shoulders are adequate for most parts and you can use sidewalks if needed.  Along the way, you’ll pass Seven Feathers, several restaurants, a grocery, and historic buildings.  At the south end of town, just off the route, is Pioneer Park with picnic tables, restrooms, and green areas.  Further out, you’ll cross placid Cow Creek with its beautiful riverine environment.  And later, you can visit Riddle and note it’s many cottages and small stores and restaurants.

Riding the loop in a counter-clockwise direction takes you the scenic route to Riddle first.  This way provides a fast descent towards the end into Canyonville where you can scout for a post-ride eatery.  For more comfort, stay at Seven Feathers Casino and have a swim in the pool or visit the spa. The casino offers a buffet or fine dining at their K Bar Restaurant.  You can also wander into downtown Canyonville and find many places to eat and shop.

To get to Stanton Park and the start of Work and Play, take Oregon I-5 Exit 99.  Follow the signs East to Stanton Park.  Depending on which direction you’d like to ride, either turn left or right out of the Park and proceed.