Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
The Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest was originally two separate forest units covering parts of Oregon and California. They were combined into one unit in 2004. The Rogue River is a US Wild and Scenic River, also managed by the US Forest Service.
We stopped at the Natural Bridge Interpretive Trail on our way from Crater Lake to Grants Pass. There are restrooms in the parking lot and it’s just off the main road.
A short trail leads to a raging section of the Rogue River, which shoots through some lava tubes and comes out the other end as a waterfall…a natural wonder.
We felt exhausted from a full day of hiking and exploring in Crater Lake National Park. This stop nicely broke up our two-hour drive back to the hotel.
We enjoyed an easy 1/4 mile walk to the natural land bridge from the parking lot. It is a level, wide path, with benches and interpretive displays along the way. It was just enough for us to stretch our legs, take some photos and move on to the next stop. Interested in a more in-depth exploration of the area? The interpretive trail connects to the Rogue Gorge Trail and Upper Rogue River Trail to extend your hike.
Location: 9 miles North of Prospect, OR
Designation: National Forest, Wild and Scenic River
Date designated/established: 2004
Date of my visit: August 25, 2016
We were in Oregon a couple of months ago, but we didn’t get to see this area because we had to route around some wildfire areas. Thank you for showing your beautiful photos of what we missed. Perhaps a return trip is in order!
The wildfires were elsewhere the year we visited. Hard to plan around it…the season lasts longer and longer
We saw so many wildfire devastated areas and huge fire camps that reminded us of M.A.S.H.
You captured it well, T. Time for you to get back to Oregon!
Thanks! Hopefully in 2024. The convention is in Portland/Vancouver
A favorite! Having lived on the Applegate River that flows into the Rogue River, we spent a lot of time exploring the Rogue, including its beginnings up near Crater Lake. There is also a great 50 mile hiking/backpacking trail along it outside of Grants Pass. Great photos, Thanks for the memories. –Curt
Thanks Curt!
TheBeerChaser above said it; I have to get back. We took a boat on the river in 2012 , but the smoke was too dense to linger in 2021.