Salem to Diamond Lake - Best Route?

[Buck]

We're heading over to Diamond this week and debating the best route, towing a boat of course. Should we take Salem/Eugene/58/97/138 or Salem/Roseburg/138? We're more interested in the fastest time, not least miles. Any suggestions?

[mstarck]

I have traveled to Diamond lake several times and believe the I-5 to eugene than 58 to 97 than to diamond junction is fastest.the other route is more senic but slower. don't forget to visit crater lake on a day when the wind keeps you off the lake.good luck fishing.

mike s.

[dre5063]

Absolute fastest way is the gravel road turn off right at Crescent lake. Its a red rock road but it's nice and wide. Can't be any snow on the ground though or you won't make it. Also when you hit 138 on the other side, you will be covered in dust. Iwish I could remember the road number for you. It's a FS road and it's marked, just can't remember. If you are solely trying to make time, it's the fastest. You wouldn't want to tow an open boat doing it though.

[Salmon Stryker]

I would 2nd the hwy 58 route. I have never tried the FS road but that sounds interesting.

[marshworm]

I won't say which way is best or fastest, however I find it 1 hour from Salem to Eugene, another hour to Roseburg and 1 1/2 hours to Diamond from there. I have found if you can travel back and forth during the week there is a big difference in time any way you go vs. traveling on like Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon. Realistically there is most likely not much more than 15 minutes or so either way. Suggest you give it a try both ways and take the one that gives you the most emjoyment and is less stressful to you.

[spottedhawk36]

I-5 south to hwy 58 to hwy 97 right at diamond lake junction off hwy 97.

[Buck]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will stick to the 58 route on the way there, but I may come back down the North Umpqua on the return.

[spottedhawk36]

umpqua is the roseburg route right? i went through that way with my parents years ago, maybe even come back through sisters over the santiam pass hwy 20 thats a nice drive.

[retaliate]

Originally Posted by dre5063

Absolute fastest way is the gravel road turn off right at Crescent lake. Its a red rock road but it's nice and wide. Can't be any snow on the ground though or you won't make it. Also when you hit 138 on the other side, you will be covered in dust. Iwish I could remember the road number for you. It's a FS road and it's marked, just can't remember. If you are solely trying to make time, it's the fastest. You wouldn't want to tow an open boat doing it though.

No way your geting over Windigo Pass rd 60 til July this year, I-5 to 58 to 97 to 138 is your best route.

[stupenny5]

if you have large boat an motor home you will be happier on 58 and 97.

If you have no fear go thru roseburg. you can make it the same time both ways if you want to live on the wild side. monday thru thursday best travel days. Fridays well you will need medication.

[dog]

Just happened to measure this the week before last. 198 miles from Fred Meyer East in Salem via I5, 58, 97, & 138 to the South end of the lake. 212 miles from the North end of the lake back to Fred Meyer East via 138, Hwy200(this highway goes from Glide on 138 and follows the North Umpqua to Wilbur at I-5 and is a beautiful area), and I-5.

So 198 and 212 even with a shortcut. I know you said you weren't interested in miles but time only and I didn't time it but I would bet every penny I have that 58 and 97 is faster than the Roseburg way especially if you go clear to Roseburg instead of the Wilbur cutoff.

[boatman]

retaliete is RIGHT. Right now they is no way you will make it because of the snow. Also this not the fastest. It is a great drive, BUT not towing. I drive it often.