Hike: Rogue River Trail - Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club

March 18, 2023
The Rogue River. Known by many, yet traveled by even less. Those who have never walked the banks of the mighty Rogue truly don’t know what they’re missing. This spectacular scenic river is worth the drive to the Grave Creek boat ramp to walk even just a few miles along its shoreline.
On this mid-March day, we were hoping for more wild flowers, but with winter holding its cold grip to the landscape just a bit longer than usual, all the flora was just starting its spring bloom. This would be the only imperfection to an otherwise gorgeous hike along the north side of the Rogue River.
Beginning at the boat ramp, which is the official start of the Rogue River Trail, our group set off in high spirits, as we knew we were fortunate enough to have a dry day ahead of us. By dry, that means no rain was expected. However, with all the recent snowfall in the surrounding hills, our boots would still get wet as we hopped, traipsed, and otherwise splashed through swollen creeks as they gushed forth with the early spring snowmelt. But most were easily traversed, and provided many photo opportunities for those who like small, cascading streams and creeks.
At roughly the 3-mile mark, we reached Whiskey Creek and the Whiskey Creek Cabin. This historical landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places. After reading all the plaques and exploring the homestead, we settled in for some lunch near the creek.
We eventually pulled ourselves away from the sound of the flowing waters and made our way back upriver. The trek back was just as remarkable as it was on the way down. Across the river, streams cascaded off the far hillside way up high, forming small yet amazing waterfalls on the steep precipices. Just another outstanding feature that the Rogue River offers to those who visit this wild place.
With dramatic rocky bluffs, cliffy overlooks, and a raging river below, the scenery here can’t be beat. The trail is very friendly with gentle hills as it meanders along the river. It’s what draws day hikers and backpackers alike to this place. But even those who don’t hike really need to be here in the springtime when the flowers are in full bloom. In fact, one only needs to hike perhaps a scant mile downriver to appreciate the beauty of this place. It’s well worth a short walk during this time of year.

[@HolisticHikes]

Omgosh yay! Rouge is one of our favs. Seems like you caught great conditions for the trail 💚💚