The mighty Rogue River carves through the very landscape of Southern Oregon, and is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. For some of its most beautiful features, look no further the Upper Rogue River Trail to Takelma Gorge. Named for the indigenous Takelma people who once called the Siskiyou National Forest home, you can hike along the banks of the river, and taking in its raw history and natural beauties.
Start your hike walking toward the picnic and day use areas, and follow the trail sign to begin your adventure!
A short way down the trail you’ll find a sandy beach along the Rogue River, where geese and deer stop to take a drink. This is a great spot to take a little swim. Continue to follow the trail 1.5 miles through the forest of Douglas fir trees. After about 1.6-miles, you will see a large tree that has been cleared off the trail, and a sign marking Takelma Gorge, as the river below bends beneath the steep lava rock. Keep an eye out for rafters and kayakers, making their way through the gorge’s wild rapids!
For a refreshing and breathtaking hike along the banks of one of our region's most wild rivers, you don’t want to miss the hike to Takelma Gorge. Great for the whole family, you’ll see a side of the mighty Rogue River you’ve never seen it before, and you'll be coming back to experience it for years to come!
Takelma Gorge on the Upper Rogue River
Difficulty: Easy
Enchanted Forest: 3.2 miles round trip, 400-foot elevation gain
Restrooms: Pit toilets at the trailhead
Optimal Season: April - November
This beautiful location is perfect for hikes with family, bird watching, photography and dog walking. You can even take a swim along the Rogue River near the trailhead if you enjoy river swimming. Watch out for poison oak and ticks during the summer, and slick trails when it gets cooler outside.
Take Crater Lake Highway (Oregon Highway 62) north toward Eagle Point for 47 miles. Turn left on Abbott Creek Road (National Forest Service Road 68). Take Abbott Creek Road 1.8 miles. The parking area will be on your left right before the Woodruff Day Use Bridge, a popular spot for fishing. Once parked follow the sign to the trailhead.
