Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160
The Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 traverses the wild section of the Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching 40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of southwestern Oregon's most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue Canyon and the Wild Rogue Wilderness.
Observation and exploration opportunities abound for hikers to observe wildlife, wildflowers and historical sites along the way. There are many picturesque vistas, including churning whitewater flowing through rock gorges with nearly vertical walls, towering cliffs and majestic stands of large Douglas-fir and incense cedar. The Rogue River supports an interesting and diverse wildlife population, including black bear, river otter, deer, raccoon, osprey, bald eagle and rattlesnakes. Hikers can also expect to see rafting parties on the river and camping on the sandy beaches. Below Blossom Bar, jet boats are allowed for the private and commercial lodges, fishing and for tour boats.
The Rogue River National Recreation Trail is notable for its rich history, with three National Historic Sites along its path: Whisky Creek, Zane Grey's Cabin and the Rogue River Ranch.
The Rogue River Trail is a HIKING TRAIL ONLY, and closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pack animals. The trail may be hiked from either end, or from the middle, starting at the Rogue River Ranch.
The trail is rated DIFFICULT due to the remote nature of the trail, tall cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks. Most of the trail is well constructed and has moderate grades. The average hiker takes 4-5 days to walk the 40 miles.
During the heat of the summer, temperatures may reach 100° F. Many hikers choose to hike from west to east (from Grave Creek to Big Bend), keeping the afternoon sun at their backs. Moderate temperatures make spring and fall popular seasons to hike.
Annual maintenance usually occurs April through June, after winter storms are no longer a threat.
Active Alerts
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Resources
- Rogue River Trail Map
- Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide: This guide provides a detailed description of the trail.
- Rogue River National Recreation Trail Bureau of Land Management webpage
- Forest Service Maps (free)
- Rogue River Trail Map (Forest Service and BLM guide)
Year Round
A Wild Rogue Float Permit is required for trail hikers when trail hikers are supported by boaters. A permit is not required if a hiker hikes the trail and packs all of their own gear.
Potable water is not available. Surface water should be treated.
- Fire pans are required within 400 feet of the river's edge, when fire restrictions allow their use. Always check current fire restrictions prior to your trip. Hikers can use a fire blanket, heavy aluminum foil, or whatever works safely in the fire.
- Fire ashes and remnants must be packed out with other garbage.
- Wilderness regulations apply.
- Hiker Only Trail
Address: 29279 Ellensburg Avenue Gold Beach, OR 97444
Phone: (541) 247-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Parking
Hikers starting from the east (upriver) trailhead park at Graves Creek, near Galice.
Hikers starting from the west (downriver) park at Foster Bar.
Directions
From Grants Pass, OR:
Take I-5 north to Exit 61 (Merlin exit). Turn left and continue northwest on the Merlin-Galice Road for 23 miles. Cross the Grave Creek bridge that crosses the Rogue River, and take two immediate left turns to descend to the Grave Creek Boat Launch. The Rogue River National Recreation Trailhead is located on the far side (west) of the boat landing.
From Gold Beach, OR: Take Jerry’s Flat Road (County Road 595) to Forest Road 33 through Agness. Turn right onto the Agness/Illahe Road (County Road 375), and continue for 2.7 miles, past Illahe Campground and Foster Bar. Take a sharp right turn for the access road to Big Bend.
