Stair Creek Falls Photo by Richard Spray

Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail
The Trail Less Traveled

By JOY HENKLE
for Oregon.com

If there is such a thing as magic, it is surely found on southern Oregon's spectacular Rogue River hiking trail. Hikers from all over the world come to experience this protected trail…and yet you will rarely see another hiking group on the trail…true magic. This moderately difficult trail hike is unique because over the course of the four-day experience, you stay each night in riverside wilderness lodges. Rooms are double occupancy; with hot showers and real beds. Superb family style dining is the hallmark of each of the lodges.

Hiking the Rogue trail with friends Photo by Richard Spray

Contracting through a designated Rogue River outfitter offers an alternative view of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon; guided trekking on the Rogue River trail. You get the best of both worlds; trekking through one of the nation's finest river canyons and the comfort of wilderness lodges each night. The outfitter will also pack your heavy gear in a river raft and will provide a wonderful riverside lunch each day. All you need to trail pack during the day is your daypack, camera, and water bottle.

The Rogue Canyon trail offers an excellent scenic experience as the trail meanders through "enchanted forests," open meadows of wildflowers, and dramatic viewpoints along rocky crags. Black bear, osprey, bald eagle, and deer are to be seen throughout the canyon. The Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue was one of the first river canyons brought under protection of the national wild and scenic rivers act. So, today, there are limits on the numbers of guests who can travel through the canyon each day, thus protecting this Oregon natural treasure.

A grassy meadow along the Rogue Trail Photo by Richard Spray

The trail is well maintained and in good condition during the spring and early summer months. Elevation of the trail is below 1,000 feet. Grades are generally mild. On the first and last day of the 4-day hike you will find steeper areas with a number of switchbacks. During the middle of the hike, much of the trail is level or nearly level. A small portion of the trail is cut into rock cliffs with exposed drop-offs. The trail follows the river, sometimes near the river, other times higher up. The average distance covered each day is 10 miles; varying from 5 - 10 miles. The distance is a moderate walk for person in good physical condition, provides reasonable time during the day for viewing the surroundings, photographing the incredible scenery, and enjoying a leisurely riverside lunch. Daily mileage: day one is 9.9 miles; day two is 14.5 miles; day three is 8.4 miles; and day four is 5.2 miles.

Your historic hiking trip begins at Grave Creek…the start of the wild and scenic section of the famous Rogue River. Named after the grave of Martha Leland Crowley, daughter of an Oregon pioneer couple. Martha was buried under an oak tree near the creek head in 1846. The first five miles of the trail are quite rocky…so wear appropriate hiking boots.

Relaxing at Black Bar lodge after a day of hiking Photo by Richard Spray

You will finish the first day at Black Bar Lodge…almost a 10-mile day hike. During this first day you will pass historic homesites, view Rainie Falls (the only Class V rapid on the Rogue), cross numerous mountain creeks, and note other historic sites. Periodically, you will come upon outdoor toilets set up by the BLM for your use.

The second day you will see magnificent views of the river's rapids and note another historical site called "Battle Bar." This site is named because of a fight between Colonel Kelsey's Calvary on the north bank and a band of Takelma Indians on the south bank in the year 1855. Further down the trail, you'll rest and relax at the beautiful Rogue River Ranch. The Rogue River Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are welcome to stroll the ranch's well-maintained grounds and look inside its museum. Just a little over a mile down the trail from "the Ranch" is Marial Lodge. You'll rest for the evening there and enjoy an over-the-top country-style dinner and breakfast in the morning.

Watching rafters along the Rogue River Photo by Richard Spray

The third day gives you more spectacular views of the river…with a famous look at Mule Creek Canyon and the gorgeous Stair Creek Falls. Experience it all on this day with a cool walk through the "enchanted forest," and even try out the Tate Creek slide which is a natural water slide that drops 25 feet into a deep, fresh pool of water. You'll walk about 8.5 miles on this day and end your journey at Clay Hill Lodge…with beautiful views of the Tacoma "still waters."

Your fourth day is short but includes the steepest part of the trail with many switchbacks. Wear long pants to ward off the poison oak that is prevalent along the trail's edge. You'll reach your takeout point by early afternoon (Foster Bar) and, if you are traveling with a Rogue River outfitter, you will enjoy a 2 ½ hour scenic drive back to your waiting vehicle at Galice Resort near Merlin.

Tips: If you do not own trail boots it is a good idea to note the following specifications: buy your boots long before the trip. Wear them as much as possible to break them in. Good ankle support is important. A handy trick for insuring foot comfort is carrying a spare set of socks for the day.

Clothing should be loose fitting and allow full movement. Cotton-polyester blends are cool and dry fast. Bring shorts and long pants as you see fit…and a wide brim hat. Rain gear is required.

Joy Henkle is the owner of White Water Warehouse. White Water Warehouse offers guided hiking trips on the Rogue River trail during May and early June. The company runs guided rafting/kayaking trip on the Rogue River from June through late September.