Difference between revisions of "Wild Rogue Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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[[Image:Camp 1.JPG|thumb|400px|Campsite in upper West Fork Mule Creek ''(B. Hope)'']] | [[Image:Camp 1.JPG|thumb|400px|Campsite in upper West Fork Mule Creek ''(B. Hope)'']] | ||
− | [[Image:Hanging Rock.JPG|thumb| | + | [[Image:Hanging Rock.JPG|thumb|500px|Hanging Rock'' (B. Hope)'']] |
[[Image:Thomas Homestead.JPG|thumb|300px|Meadow and old fruit trees at Thomas homestead ''(B. Hope)'']] | [[Image:Thomas Homestead.JPG|thumb|300px|Meadow and old fruit trees at Thomas homestead ''(B. Hope)'']] | ||
[[Image:Rogue River.JPG|thumb|300px|Rogue River Trail heading upstream of Clay Hill Creek ''(B. Hope)'']] | [[Image:Rogue River.JPG|thumb|300px|Rogue River Trail heading upstream of Clay Hill Creek ''(B. Hope)'']] |
Revision as of 20:33, 24 June 2017
- Start point: Mule Creek South Trailhead
- End point: Mule Creek South Trailhead
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 29.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,700 feet
- High Point: 3,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Spring & Fall are best; can be too hot in summer
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
This newly restored loop connects the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest’s Mule Creek Trail #1159, Panther Ridge Trail #1253, Clay Hill Trail #1160A, and the Rogue River Trail #1160. Before the summer of 2015, many trail miles had been been seriously eroded by time and lack of maintenance, while other trail sections were brushed in and full of downed logs killed by the 2005 Blossom Fire. The Siskiyou Mountain Club crews restored the entire loop in 2015, and maintained the Rogue River Trail from Marial to Foster Bar. This 29-mile backpacking loop has five trailheads, offering a number of day hikes as well, like to a massive outcrop called Hanging Rock that looms over the wilderness. The route features the pristine gorges of Mule Creek, old growth havens of Panther Ridge, oak and pine savanna of Clay Hill, and, of course, the Rogue River itself. One trailhead is near the historic Rogue River Ranch, another is at Foster Bar near Agness, Oregon and three others are accessed from Eden Valley, accessible from either of Agness and Powers, Oregon.
This loop through the northeast quadrant of the Wild Rogue Wilderness can be done either clockwise or counter-clockwise or as a lollipop from Foster Bar or Grave Creek, but the description below assumes you're going counter-clockwise starting from Tucker Flat. Going this direction - particularly during periods of high water - allows you to see if the two crossings of Mule Creek are possible before you're too far into the loop. These creek crossings can be very dangerous or impassable during high water! Going this direction you hike down, not up, the Clay Hill Trail, which seems to be the less arduous option.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Wild Rogue Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Wild Rogue Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this destination
More Links
- USFS #976 Blue Canyon Trail
- USFS Meadow Lake Trail
- USFS #987 Red Lake Trail
- USFS #992 Cat Hill Way Trail
- USFS #3709 South Rock Creek Trail
- USFS #3759 Badger Lake Trail
Page Contributors
- VanMarmot (creator)