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Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail #1470
This trail is the primary route through the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness. The trail offers exceptional views both east and west as it weaves across the crest of the divide. To the west lies the irregular and deeply dissected terrain of the Umpqua Drainage; to the east lies the traveler sees the broad, open Rogue Basin, with the peaks of the high Cascades rising above. In addition to the fine vistas, the divide features a spectacular display of wildflowers in its many meadows from mid-June until mid-August.
Trail elevation ranges from 6,000' at the highest point to 4,000' at the lowest. From mid fall through spring expect that this trail will have snow cover.
At a Glance
| Open Season: | Summer |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply |
| Closest Towns: | Tiller, OR |
| Water: | Not available. Surface water should be treated. |
| Information Center: | Tiller Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:General Notes:
The trail begins at the southern end of the Wilderness. In places, the trail parallels the old Civilian Conservation Corps road to Abbott Butte.
The trail passes below Abbott Butte Lookout and descends to a small pond below a rock cliff called Elephants Head.
Traveling east, the trail is joined by the Golden Stairs Trail #1092, three miles beyond Abbott. This steep trail leads to the Rogue River National Forest Road 6800-550. One mile past this junction, the trail enters Yellow Jacket Camp. From here, the trail follows an old skid road for 0.5 mile. A live creek crosses the trail just beyond the road. The trail then climbs the south slope of Anderson Mountain and opens to a gigantic sub-alpine meadow. Here, Sandstone Trail #1436, joins the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail from the Umpqua side. From the Rogue side of the divide, Anderson Camp Trail #1075 reaches the ridge top and joins the Divide Trail.
From Anderson Mountain, the Divide Trail travels northerly on the crest of a rocky ridge, offering fine views of Crater Lake Rim and Mount McLoughlin to the east; Highrock Mountain to the west, and Abbott Butte to the southwest. Pup Prairie Trail #1434 intersects the Divide Trail from the west. At Horse Camp Trailhead the trail follows Forest Road 6515-530 for about 1.0 mile to Acker Divide Trail #1437. At this intersection the road leads another 0.5 mile to Hershberger Lookout. The Divide Trail, however, continues north at this junction along a route formerly known as the Log Pile Trail. Fish Lake Trail #1570 intersects the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail 0.75 of a mile down this section of trail.
Approximately 0.25 mile farther, the Rocky Rim Trail #1572 intersects to the west. The Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail then passes through a saddle onto the eastern face of Weaver Mountain, where again vistas open to the north and east. The trail then descends to the edge of an ancient shallow glacial lake, now a marshy meadow called "Hole-in-the-ground". After passing along the southeast edge of the meadow, the trail forks. The Divide Trail continues on the northerly fork, crossing the meadow to Hole-in-the-Ground Camp. Here Alkali Trail #1046 intersects and the Divide Trail heads north for a rather strenuous one-mile climb to Forest Road 3700-870.
This road, at the end of Fish Creek Valley, serves as a connecting route between segments of the Divide Trail. To return to the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail, follow this road for about 1.0 mile to Castle Creek trailhead. About 0.1 of a mile further down the road, the trail continues off to the left of the road. Take this trail to its intersection with the Whitehorse Meadows Trail #1477, and proceed northeast on this trail down the valley. About 0.75 of a mile down the valley, the Whitehorse Meadows Trail turns right and climbs out of the valley. The Divide Trail continues down the valley before it climbs out of the valley and crosses Forest Road 3700-870.
The Divide Trail continues up the ridge with some steep stretches, and then down the east slope, across Forest Road 37, and on to Buck Camp. Clear Camp lies about 1 mile further down the trail, and the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail terminates at Three Lakes Camp, 8 miles west of Diamond Lake.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:- This trail is the primary route through the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness.
- The trail takes you past historic lookouts, offers magnificent vistas, and affords wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The junction to Abbott Butte Trail #1470A is located about 3 miles from the Abbott Butte Trailhead. It is a short spur trail leading to the Abbott Butte Lookout. The additional mile added to your trip is well worth the view of the Cascade Range, the rim of Crater Lake, and even Mount Shasta on a clear day.
- While you are allowed to disperse camp on this trail, you cannot camp within a mile of a developed recreation areas such as a trailhead.
- Wilderness restrictions apply to this trail. Please read and follow the restrictions, found here.
Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:- Primary route through the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness.
- The trail takes you past historic lookouts, offers magnificent vista's, and affords visitors wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Limited trailer parking at Abbot Butte.
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|