Natural beauty and modern accessibility in Myrtle Creek
Myrtle Creek is a small community within the Umpqua Valley featuring historic covered bridges and striking views of the Cascade Mountains. “There’s nowhere you can live in this town and not see the beauty of the trees, forests and water,” says Realtor Sandee Ethington with Village Realty, who has lived in Myrtle Creek for 12 years. “You’re surrounded by hills, and it’s great for fishing, hunting and camping.” The area has a downtown district and access to Interstate 5, making it a natural retreat and a convenient location with everyday amenities.
The Umpqua Valley presents forestland, rivers and parks
The community's largest, most popular gathering space is Millsite Park. Visitors come to play disc golf, walk the nature trail and compete on the soccer and baseball fields. The park also has a sand volleyball court, a camp for recreational vehicles and an outdoor amphitheater. Evergreen Park has pickleball and tennis courts, and its open fields feature a covered gazebo. Skaters and pet owners use the facilities at Stinebaugh Park, and Myrtle Creek Golf Club is open to the public. The South Umpqua Memorial Pool is open seasonally, and anglers and kayakers hit the South Umpqua River, which flows along the area's western border. To the east, Umpqua National Forest has caves to explore, horse trails and waterfalls. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers hit the trails during the winter, and the fall is prime hunting season.
Homes on suburban roads and rural lots
Most of Myrtle Creek’s housing market comprises manufactured homes and single-family options. Some ranch-style houses have contemporary influences, and others are more traditional. Mountain cabins and bungalows are also common. Properties on the outskirts of town may occupy dozens of rural acres and have enough space for barns and stables. Homes closer to the heart of Myrtle Creek are more densely packed, creating a suburban, neighborly atmosphere. The median price is $311,000, below the national figure, though properties spanning hundreds of acres can surpass $1 million. “It’s one of the most desirable little towns in southern Douglas County, so prices can be a little higher than other nearby towns,” Ethington says.
Small, local businesses in town, and big-box stores in Roseburg
A small-scale commercial hub is in the center of Myrtle Creek. The area features restaurants along Main Street and independently owned businesses off back avenues. The community decorates its wooden utility poles with bouquets during the summer and illuminates the streets with twinkling lights during the holiday season. Residents wake up with Soco Coffee Company and eat lunch and dinner at Tommy’s All-American Burgers Co. Dollar General and Ray’s Food Place sell everyday items. Roseburg, 20 miles north, has big-box stores, like Walmart, and the nearest CHI Mercy Health hospital.
Seasonal festivals bring the community together
Myrtle Creek hosts many events throughout the year, including the South Douglas Rodeo and movie nights at Millsite Park. One of the largest gatherings is the Myrtle Creek Summer Festival, a four-day celebration with live music, vendors and a parade. The event also holds chili pepper and no-hands watermelon eating contests. At the Winter Festival, locals sit by small bonfires downtown and sip free hot cider while watching the Timber Trucker’s Light Parade. Vehicles go all out with light displays and compete for a cash prize.
Children study through the South Umpqua School District
Students begin at Myrtle Creek Elementary, which scores a D-plus rating on Niche. Coffenberry Middle and South Umpqua High earn C-minus grades. The high school provides an online academy and alternative vocational and career and technical education programs.
Commuters take Interstate 5 around the region
Interstate 5 cuts through Myrtle Creek, providing convenient routes into surrounding areas. Roseburg, 20 miles north, is the closest city, and Ethington says a majority of people commute there for work. Medford, home to the nearest airport, is about 80 miles southeast. Local transit is available through the Umpqua Public Transportation District.
