The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Mountain of the Rogue Trail System in Oregon is the perfect destination for avid mountain bikers. Made up of over seven miles of interconnected trails, this system includes access to the top of Tin Pan Peak, a 1,300-foot rise in elevation for steep bike rides. Also found at the trails here are views of Rogue River and many mountain peaks. Hiking is also permitted on the trails.
This trail system is managed by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an organization that aims to keep the land clean and safe for the public to use year-round. The Mountain of the Rogue Trail System is found about 18 miles north of Medford, Oregon and about seven miles south of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Considered a warm-up trail for bikers coming to the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System, the Pay Dirt route is also an easy downhill hiking trail. This trail weaves side to side and includes some large rocks for bikers to use on their route.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The Rat Pack Trail is a moderately challenging uphill path for both hikers and bikers to try. Climbing upwards of 900 feet, this trail is best taken in the spring or fall to avoid mud.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The No Joke Trail is a highly difficult, double-black diamond level uphill and downhill biking trail. This trail includes steep, rocky terrain that's a challenge to navigate and connects to other nearby trails in the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System like the Breakdown Trail and Arm Bar Trail.
Length: 0.7 mile
Intensity: Difficult
The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is located within walking distance of the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System, and this river is a great place for anglers to go to catch salmon and steelhead trout. Salmon are most commonly caught in the fall, while Chinook are also found in the river in the spring. The entire length of the river extends from Lost Lake Creek to the Pacific Ocean, making it a great river for long-distance floating too. Nonmotorized boats can easily launch from the river's shores near the Mountain of the Rogue Trails, and motorized boats can use boat launch ramps for free at the nearby Lathrop County Park.
Plenty of local wildlife can be seen on or near the Mountain of the Rogue Trails. Large black bears and their cubs have been reported to pass through on occasion, and black-tailed deer are seen more frequently. North American river otters are spotted along the banks of the Rogue River, usually from the top of Tin Pan Peak, and birds native to the trail area include bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys. Plenty of pine tree varieties are found growing along the edges of all of the trails, and poison ivy and poison oak are commonly found near the trees, so trail users should use caution when venturing into the wooded areas.
The Mountain of the Rogue Trail System includes a day-use area with benches and picnic seating areas for you to use for free. However, there are no trash bins or water stations in the day-use area, so be sure to bring your own bags to collect your trash and water for drinking. Be sure to avoid leaving food on the ground for the wildlife to eat, too, as this can disturb the natural ecosystem.
Nearly all Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are primitive, so if you're looking to go RV camping with full hookups, try visiting a privately owned campground near the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System. Just down the road from the trails is the Cypress Grove RV Park, which is a campground with water and electric hookups and free Wi-Fi. Also located nearby is the Medford/Gold Hill KOA Journey, a campground with all the same amenities, plus a pool.
If you search "BLM camping near me," you can check out some of the local BLM-managed campgrounds nearby the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System. One Bureau of Land Management free camping option is the Elderberry Flats Campground, which has a day-use picnic area as well. This campground also has picnic tables at each primitive, paved campsite and community garbage bins.
When you're planning to hit the trails, be sure to pack everything you'll need for the day since there's some distance between the trail system parking lot and the trails themselves. A lot of hikers and bikers will bring bags or backpacks that can be comfortably worn for long periods of time, making the treks uphill easier to take. It's recommended that all visitors have more than enough drinking water for the day and come during the spring, fall, or mornings in the summer for the best trail conditions.
When you plan on staying at a BLM campground, keep in mind that you'll be staying at a primitive campground. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Any time you visit the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System, you'll need to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace policy, which aims to keep the land clean and natural for future generations to enjoy. This policy includes simple guidelines like keeping your distance from the wildlife, leaving everything you find along the trails where it belongs and disposing of trash properly after you leave the area.
To reach the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System from Interstate 5, take exit 48 to Rogue River city. Then turn north onto Depot Street, and turn right onto Classick Drive after crossing the railroad tracks. Then turn right onto North River Road, and travel for one mile before you see the trailheads and parking lot on the left-hand side.
Ready to visit Mountain of the Rogue Trail System? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
