Rogue River National Forest

Rogue River National Forest Overview

Rogue River National Forest (courtesy, USDA Forest Service/Lee Webb)

Contact Details
Rogue River National Forest
3040 Biddle Road
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-618-2200

Running deep and strong through southern Oregon's Siskiyou mountains, the Rogue River's exceptional fishing, abundant wildlife, beautiful scenery, and interesting history inspired Congress to christen it a Wild and Scenic River in 1967, and the fishing is still great today.
Camping is available along the north bank. You have to access it by trail since there is no road access. Fly-fishing this section can be good, but pick your water carefully; usually it is either too fast or slow, and river traffic can interfere.
From Ashland, Medford, or Roseburg, enter the172-mile Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, which takes you to the edge of the indigo-blue waters of Crater Lake, past Diamond Lake, along the wild Umpqua and Rogue Rivers, and to waterfalls, parks, and campgrounds.
The 33-mile Wild Rogue section, running from Grave Creek to Foster Bar, thrives with wildlife. Between casts, watch for bears, otters, deer, Bald Eagles, herons, kingfishers, and mink.

By Travel Expert: Jeremy Pataky

Plan a hike on the 48-mile-long Upper Rogue National Recreation Trail, which parallels the river along its course through the park. In the fall, brilliant reds and golds of vine maple, dogwood, and alder contrast beautifully with the green conifers.
Hundreds of miles of unimproved Forest Service roads offer unlimited biking adventures through forests and open landscapes, on steep or gentle terrain. Plus, the forest contains more than 500 miles of trails; many are open to horses and motorcycles, as well as mountain bikes.
The Rogue River is located in southwestern Oregon and flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean. The 84-mile "National Wild and Scenic" portion of the Rogue begins seven miles west of Grants Pass and ends 11 miles east of Gold Beach.
The "Wild Section" of the (lower) Rogue River is one of the most popular whitewater runs in the world. Dams upstream maintain a steady water level, and the rapids pass through lush forests and steep canyons—a particularly enjoyable experience on hot summer days.
Ski Ashland Resort, located near the summit of Mount Ashland, offers downhill and cross-country ski options from December through April. Ski school and rental shop are available.

By Travel Expert: Karen Kefauver

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