Upper Rogue River Trail

47201 Highway 62
Prospect, Oregon

The Upper Rogue Trail outside of Prospect, Oregon offers several starting points for beautiful hiking. In the perfect location if you’re traveling to or from Crater Lake National Park or Bend, Oregon, this ‘off the beaten track’ pit stop takes you through scenic woodlands and stunning river views.

Toby posing in front of a still section of the Rogue.

Take the trail downstream for rockier vistas and steeper grades, or the trail upstream for a more moderate hike through dense forest. We went this way, and in several places, the river was accessible (which the dog loved!). Watch the current; its best to let kids enjoy the river from the sandy banks. Both trails continue for 3+ miles, so you may want to turn around prior to the end or take two cars to avoid back-tracking (the upper trail ends at the River Bridge Campground on Forest Road #6210). On the lower trail, we turned at about the 2 mile mark, and the kids had no problem with the moderate terrain.

Calvin finds a hollowed out log just his size.

Date last visited: October 2009

Distance off the interstate: A few miles off Highway 62.

Hours and Admission Prices: None.

Bathrooms: None. The nearby River Bridge Campground is your best option when it’s accessible in the summer months.

Food Services: Hands down your best option: Beckie’s, known for their fresh berry pies. Located just a bit further down the road at 56484 Highway 62. Call for hours: 541-560-3563.

Website: This one gives a fairly good overview of the upper hike and general driving directions.

Directions: From Prospect, travel north on Highway 62 and turn off at the sign for the Woodruff Bridge Picnic Area (Forest Service Road 68). Proceed under 2 miles to the picnic area.

Bonus Pit Stop! Six miles south of the Upper Rogue Trail, also directly off Highway 62, is Mill Creek Falls and the Avenue of Giant Boulders. Only a half mile walk, this is a good option if you have less time (and affords stunning views!).