Itinerary

The Rogue River, with its source in the high snow-laden Cascades near Crater Lake, certainly ranks high among the most legendary rivers of the West. The river’s dramatic drop in elevation over a relatively short distance combined with the enormous seasonal snowfall at its headwaters accounts for the astounding power of the river. The Rogue is one of only three rivers in the northwest with sufficient force to carve a course through the coastal mountain barrier on its way to the Pacific. The result—an incredibly spectacular 4,000-foot-deep gorge with countless Class IV rapids and waterfalls that cradles the Rogue through the Klamath Mountains.

     The federal government, in recognition of the river’s unique and extraordinary nature, included the Rogue among the eight rivers originally designated for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

     For the most part, the Rogue River Canyon is inaccessible other than by boat or on foot along the 42-mile Rogue River National Recreation Trail that follows the river’s north bank from Graves Creek at the canyon’s eastern entrance to Foster Bar at the western portal. This trail, embraced within the heart of the Wild Rogue Wilderness, is the focus of our Rogue River Wilderness adventure in the season ahead.

We’ll hike the entire 42-mile length of the Rogue Trail from Graves Creek to Foster Bar in four days, and we’ll do so carrying only daypacks—our remaining baggage will be transported from lodge to lodge by boat. And, yes, we did say “lodge”, because we’ll spend our three nights along the river trail in a series of backcountry lodges also accessible only by boat and foot.

We’ll assemble in Medford and head directly toward Crater Lake on Day 1. Along the way, we’ll hike along the Boundary Springs Trail into the park to the source of the Rogue where the river actually emerges from the ground and begins its plunge to the Pacific. We’ll then continue on to the park and spend our first overnight at the beautiful Crater Lake Lodge on the rim of the caldera. Day 2, we’ll shuttle along the Rim Drive and then hike to the summit of Mt. Scott, the highest peak in the park (6 miles). Following the hike, we’ll complete our loop along the Rim Drive and head to Grants Pass, where we’ll spend the evening at the Lodge at Riverside on the banks of the Rogue.

Early morning of Day 3, we’ll shuttle to Graves Creek and begin our trek into the Rogue Wilderness. For the most part, the trail is situated well above the river offering outstanding unobstructed views of the canyon below. Each day is a continuum of waterfalls, cascades, swirling rapids, intriguing rock formations and a rich and diverse collection of wildlife. Expect to see an occasional black bear, deer and elk grazing along the river’s banks, beaver, otter, and, though less likely, mountain lion or bobcat. The area is also renowned among birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of osprey, bald eagles and blue herons.

We’ll hike to Black Bar Lodge on Day 3 (9.5 miles), Marial Lodge (14 miles) on Day 4, and spend our final overnight at Paradise Lodge (5 miles). Early morning of our final day, we’ll hike to Foster Bar (11 miles), and then shuttle back to Medford.

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