We were six undaunted hikers traveling to the Upper Rogue
River with our backpacks full of rain gear because an 80%
chance of rain had been predicted. At the trailhead, we
were greeted by a crisp, sunshiny, autumn day.
First , we went upstream to four observation points of the
Rogue’s tumbling and careening water as it catapulted
through the 100 foot deep gorge. Those of us with cameras
had a field day! Then we headed downstream along the wooded
riverbank. At first, the fall colors were subtle, but soon,
with every turn of the trail we were treated to a crescendo
of varying shades of red, orange and yellow.
By noon, we had reached the middle of the footbridge over
the Rogue River. Here we all decided to continue downstream
to reach the Natural Bridge. We stopped for lunch at a
campground table.
About one-half a mile before the Natural Bridge, we strayed
off the trail to stay nearer to the river. SERENDIPITY! We
reached the Natural Bridge by working our way down to a
special spot. For about ten feet, the Rogue River was
completely covered by the roof of a lava tube. Most of us
crossed over that rocky roof and climbed up the opposite
bank to a fenced-off observation point. We each got
creative on how to breach the 4 ˝ foot fence which had a
one foot gap and then more fencing above it. I made a
limbo-like backward bend, another one of us slithered
sideways, the third one was tall enough to straddle it and
bend forward. Oh well, you get the picture - not pretty!
We enjoyed the interpretive viewpoints that featured a
large cave, the river reappearing underground out of a rock,
and the river’s raging passage through a ripped open
cave’s roof. What a great climax!
Crossing over a man-made bridge, we returned back up the
trail we had come down on. “Second verse, same as the
first, “ beautiful fall colors sparkling water and
shimmering light. But one more treat… for a stretch, a
Belted Kingfisher was patrolling up and down over the middle
of the river. It made a loud, dry rattling, territorial cry
as it sped by.
Back at the cars, we felt tired but invigorated by the
wonders seen on this special 8 mile hike.
Hikers, Jane Susan, Carol, Jackie, Dania and Lois.
