Rogue Gorge Viewpoint is a popular stop on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. Whitewater rushes through the 500-foot lava tube at the Rogue River's narrowest point.

The 215-mile Rogue River is world-famous for its wild canyons, whitewater rapids, and salmon and steelhead runs. But the upper-most section of the Rogue, which originates in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park, is less-known and uniquely different from the lower river. Here, the Rogue flows through ancient Douglas fir forests on the west slopes of ancient Mount Mazama and the southern Cascades, exposing the region’s volcanic legacy.

Only about two-and-a-half hours from Bend, and just outside the Crater Lake National Park boundary, this part of the Rogue River makes for an easy summer weekend escape. Here is your guide to visiting this stunning part of Oregon.

Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge

The Rogue Gorge Viewpoint is a popular stop for travelers on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway (OR-62). A short ¼-mile paved pathway provides incredible views of the Rogue River’s narrowest point, where rushing whitewater blasts its way through a 500-foot-long lava tube.

For a longer hike (about 7.5 miles round-trip) and more scenic views of the Upper Rogue and its surrounding old-growth forest, follow the Upper Rogue River trail downstream to the Natural Bridge. The trail follows alongside the Wild & Scenic Upper Rogue River the entire way, passing under towering Douglas fir and pine trees, and through a dense understory of vine maple, western hemlock, Pacific yew and chinquapin. In the spring and early summer, numerous flowering plants such as dogwood, Rainbow iris, Fairy-slipper, Pacific trillium, and Mahala mat, are in bloom, turning the forest floor into a colorful garden oasis.

The Natural Bridge is another section of the Rogue where the river cuts through lava rock in dramatic fashion. During times of lower flows, the river will entirely disappear into a lava tube before popping back out again — creating a “natural bridge” of rock over the river. During higher flows in the spring and summer, the lava tube overflows, covering the natural bridge.

Crater Lake National Park

The Rogue Gorge viewpoint, near historic Union Creek Resort, is only about a 30-minute drive from the west entrance of Crater Lake National Park, making this area the perfect home base for exploring Oregon’s crown jewel and only National Park. Whether from trail, car, trolley, or boat, there are numerous ways to experience the park.

Camping

Several campgrounds in the area provide opportunities for staying the night and experiencing all the Upper Rogue has to offer. The Union Creek Campground and resort provide a variety of options — including tent sites, RV sites and cabins to rent — and is just a short walk from the Rogue Gorge viewpoint. The Upper Rogue River and Union Creek trails run right through the campground, allowing easy access to hiking, fishing, and lounging by the river. Union Creek and several other tributaries of the upper Rogue River are currently proposed to be protected as Wild & Scenic Rivers under Sen. Ron Wyden’s River Democracy Act.

The Union Creek resort also offers several amenities and comforts such as a general store, ice cream shop, and the historic Beckie’s Cafe.

Other nearby campgrounds include Farewell Bend, Natural Bridge, and River Bridge.

Explore Oregon on an Oregon Wild hike

Want to experience this charming part of Oregon and learn about ongoing efforts to protect the watersheds and wildlands of the upper Rogue? Register to join an Oregon Wild led-hike to the Rogue Gorge and Union Creek trail on July 13. Or check out the list of other Oregon Wild hikes coming up this summer at oregonwild.org.

Read more: Four ways to explore the Wild and Scenic John Day River Basin