The Rogue River Trail in the heart of the Rogue River Canyon is one of the most scenic hiking routes in Oregon. Over 40 miles long, the trail is well maintained and parallels the Rogue River.
The route traverses from Grave Creek to Foster Bar in the north side of the Rogue River, and then it rolls through the lush and remote Rogue Valley.
The Trail and the Scenery
With its smooth gradient and ample shade, the trail is a beautiful way to enjoy the Rogue’s scenery.
The trail has magnificent views of the river canyon, frequent glimpses of wildlife on the fertile hillsides, and takes you to historical points of interest along the way.
From the ridges, the river gleams as it winds its way toward the ocean.
The Rogue is a beautiful place, so remote and such different terrain.
For few early season hikes in the Pacific Northwest, this trail is one of the best. Best times to visit: May, June, September, and October, when temperatures aren’t too hot.
Camping
There are many campsites along the way, but usually few other hikers on the trail.
Multiple day hikes in this area are adventures in seclusion, adding a new perspective of the beauty of the river passage.
Trail Guide
Grave Creek trailhead is about 30 miles west of the town of Grants Pass. Trailhead is at an elevation of 689 feet.
The route from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is around 40 miles.
The height at the end is 474 feet, so you are walking downhill most of the way.
The optimal trip time is around four days and three nights.
https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/files/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf
Organized Hikes
There are a lot of raft supported hikes along the Rogue Trail.
You only need to carry a day pack for your camera and water, as the organizers carry the heavier gear and food.
There are raft-assisted hikes, where rafts carry all the equipment needed for camping. On some occasions, you might take a break from hiking and ride in river rafts parts of the journey.
These hiking trips are usually four days in length.
What is raft supported hiking in Rogue?
The concept is simple.
You carry a light daypack with basic stuff like your camera, binoculars, and water bottle.
The rafts carry the heavy gear and meet you for lunch and dinner. Guides float rafts downriver, set up lunch and breaks while you enjoy a backpack-free experience.
If you get tired, you can contact the guides, get picked up, and hop on for a relaxing float to rest your feet.
Rogue River is perfect for raft supported hikes.
Many wilderness rivers have trails that follow the river on some parts, but the Rogue River hiking trail is an exception. It follows the river for 40 miles.
Did you know?
- The Rogue is the largest producer of wild salmon in Oregon outside of the Columbia River. It is the backbone for a sport and commercial fishing.
- The Rogue area is significant for wildlife species, including the peregrine falcon, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, river otter, osprey, black bear, and many others.
- Rogue is an inspiring destination for amateur and professional photographers alike. In a state with many beautiful rivers, the Rogue River in southern Oregon is at the top of the list. aren’t
Other attractions on the area
Some options include
- the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland is not-for-profit professional theatre,
- Oregon Crater Lake National Park.
- Rogue River Ranch is a museum where you can experience how the early river pioneers lived.
- Southern Oregon Butterfly Pavilion in Cave Junction.
- The Rogue River cabin where western author Zane Grey fished and wrote at Winkle Bar on the Rogue.
- Oregon Caves National Monument.
- The Grand Canyon of the Rogue River and the headwaters of the Rogue are also worth a visit.
You can access local weather information through rogueweather.com.
Facts About Oregon’s Crater Lake
Crater Lake has no river inlet or outlet. Its water comes from annual rain and snowfall that equals the evaporation and infiltration rate.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US at around 2,000 ft.
Rogue River Hiking Map:
http://fliphtml5.com/rlpg/llji/basic/
Hike the Rogue River Trail while a raft carries your gear and guide shares the stories of the canyon.