| Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes |
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| Greater Rogue River Area |
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Union Creek
Directions: The trailhead is right off Highway 62 just northeast of Prospect. It is clearly marked from the highway.
Length: 4.4 miles
The Hike: This great hike follows Union Creek through old-growth Douglas fir, and past cooled lava and long-empty lava tubes. There are several points where a picnic can be held creek-side, and a short section of rapids and a waterfall.
Rogue Gorge
Directions: From Highway 62—about 6 miles northeast of Prospect—follow the signs to the Natural Bridge Viewing Area. The trailhead begins there.
Length: 3.5 miles
The Hike: The hike gives the hiker a stunning view of the Rogue River flowing through and over lava formations. In a sense, it provides the hiker with a sort of geological history lesson as to the formation of the Rogue River Gorge.
Boundary Springs
Directions: Drive to Crater Lake National Park. Follow the signs to the Crater Rim viewpoint. The trailhead can be reached from there by following the Upper Rogue River Trail.
Length: 4 miles
The Hike: The Boundary Springs, located inside Crater Lake National Park, are essentially the source of the Rogue River. About a mile down the path from the trailhead, hang a left at the fork to get to Boundary Springs.
Woodruff Bridge to River Bridge Campground
Directions: Drive on Highway 62 until you reach the Woodruff Bridge picnic area. You will see the trailhead.
Length: 4.6 miles
The Hike: The trail is fairly easy, and the river views are well worth it. You’ll hike past foaming rapids and see trees shattered against the rapids’ rocks.
National Creek Falls
Directions: From the Union Creek Resort, travel north on Hwy. 62 to the junction of Hwy. 230. Follow Hwy. 230 for 6 miles to road #6530. Turn right and continue 3 miles to the junction with road #6530-300. Turn right and proceed to the parking area and trailhead at the end of the road.
Length: 0.4 miles
The Hike: The trail descends through a shaded, mixed conifer forest, ending at the base of National Creek Falls. National Creek flows year-round even in drought years, fed by springs on the pumice flanks of Mt. Mazama. The falls provide a cool, moist oasis in the hot summer heat.
Upper Table Rock
Directions: From I-5 (north of Medford), take the Central Point Exit (Exit 33) east about 1 mile to Table Rock Road. Turn north (left) onto Table Rock Road and drive for roughly 7.6 miles. Shortly after Tou Velle State Park, turn right onto Wheeler Road and continue approximately 1 mile to the signed parking lot which you will see on your left. The trail to the top of Upper Table Rock begins there.
Length: 3 miles
The Hike: From the top of Upper Table Rock, you can see the entire Rogue River Valley—sometimes even as far as the rim of Crater Lake. The hike is somewhat steep, but not so much that it is undoable.
Upper Rogue River Trail: River Bridge Campground to Prospect
Directions: Follow the signs to the River Bridge Campground, located 1 mile west of Hwy. 62 on Forest Road #6210. The trailhead is there.
Length: 6.5 miles
The Hike: The trail crosses a brushy, sandy beach piled with driftwood and enters a stand of tall sugar pine, which has carpeted the forest floor with its needles and cones. Occasional views of the river occur where the trail nears the edge of 20-foot bluffs bordering the river channel. The last 4 miles of trail leave the river and wind through a stand of younger trees. The backwaters of the reservoir are visible as the trail returns to the riverbank. It then joins and follows an old road to the picnic area at the edge of the reservoir.
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| Crater Lake National Park |
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Garfield Peak
Directions: Drive to Crater Lake National Park. Follow the signs to the Crater Lake Lodge. The hike begins at the northeast corner of the lodge.
Length: 3 miles
The Hike: This hike takes you to the top of Garfield Peak overlooking Crater Lake. This is said to be the absolutely best view of the lake. The hike climbs quite a lot in a short period of time, but stairs make it a fairly easy hike for just about anyone.
Mount Scott
Directions: Drive to Crater Lake National Park and take Rim Drive around to the east side of the lake. You will see signs for the trailhead and a nearby parking area.
Length: 5 miles
The Hike: Mt. Scott is the highest point in the park and rivals Garfield Peak for the best views of Crater Lake. It is a volcano older the Mt. Mazama (the collapsed volcano which became Crater Lake). The trail is steep, but the view is well worth the effort.
Cleetwood Cove
Directions: Drive to Crater Lake National Park. Parking area is 4.5 miles east of North Junction
Length: 2.2 miles
The Hike: This is a short but intense hike—an 11% grade. That being said, it is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake and the point from which the boat to Wizard Island departs during the summer time. This hike is guaranteed to provide an entirely different perspective on the park.
Annie Creek Canyon
Directions: The trail is located within Crater Lake National Park.
Length: 1.7 mile loop
The Hike: This hike takes you to a deep, stream-cut canyon feeding into Crater Lake.
Watchman Peak
Directions: The trail is located within Crater Lake National Park
Length: 1.4 miles
The Hike: On this hike you will get to see a historic fire tower. The trail also overlooks Wizard Island.
Sun Notch Viewpoint
Directions: The trail is located within Crater Lake National Park.
Length:.5 miles
The Hike: This is one of the few trails that provides you with a good view of the Phantom Ship, the tiny island off the coast of Wizard Island that looks like a ship. This hike offers a wonderful view of Crater Lake as well.
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