Hike coordinator: Diane Rannow
Narration by Diane Rannow
One of our favorite fall hikes, the Rogue Gorge Trail (on the Upper Rogue River) starts at a pullout by Union Creek. We started by following a short, paved interpretive trail upstream where the Rogue Gorge forms a chasm 500 feet long. The river narrowed to 25 feet wide and rushed 45 feet below us thru an old collapsed lava tube.
After exploring the Gorge, we headed downstream where the river calms and reflects vine maples turning red along the shore. This easy trail follows the river with tiny quiet beaches and rocky shores. Vine maples and bracken ferns are turning red and golden. It’s a beautiful sunny day and the reflections are fabulous.
After 1.9 miles we reach another churning chasm and cross a footbridge to a more open shaded area with rocks to sit on for lunch. Amber added music to the roar of the river.
After lunch, most of the hikers continued on to the Natural Bridge for an 8+ mile hike. Three of us turned around and headed back to the cars, choosing to drive down to Natural Bridge for a 6+ mile hike.
The Natural Bridge area has a short, paved interpretive trail. It is fascinating as the entire Rogue River disappears down an old lava tube, travels 200 feet and rushes out the other end. Below Natural Bridge, the river is more turbulent, rushing and churning under the footbridge that takes us back to our car.
Pictures below by Diane Rannow
