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Rogue River National Recreation Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Rogue River National Recreation Trail

Popular with families, adventurers, and anyone simply looking for a beautiful day out in nature, BLM sites are areas of public lands that have been set aside and are largely undeveloped. Each site offers different activities and points of interest. To find a BLM site with camping options, you can do an online search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail is a hiking-only trail that spans 40 miles and closely follows the Rogue River. The trail is often hiked in its entirety, although many hikers choose a smaller section. The area offers amazing views and many opportunities to view wildlife. There are also several historic locations along the trail. Most people prefer to hike the trail in the spring or summer, and the most popular option is to hike from west to east, as this will keep the sun at your back instead of in your eyes.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rogue River National Recreation Trail

This trail is popular with backpackers, who often hike the trail in four to five days.

Length: 40 miles

Intensity: Hard

Raine Falls Trail

Located in the nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, this beautiful trail offers gorgeous views and amazing wildlife spotting opportunities.

Length: 3.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Limpy Botanical Interpretive Loop Trail

This trail showcases some of the area’s diverse plant species, including wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

Length: 0.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Dollar Mountain Trail

Located in Grants Pass, the closest town to the Rogue River National Recreation Trail, the Dollar Mountain Trail offers spectacular views.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Reinhart Volunteer Park Loop

This trail is paved and gentle, making it a great place for walking, running, or biking.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Fishing, boating, rafting, and swimming are all popular activities right at the Rogue River. The Applegate River is also a good option for fishing, and steelhead and trout are common catches. Two local BLM sites, Burma Pond and Dutch Herman Pond, are also great places to catch bass, trout, and bluegill.

Climbing

Rattlesnake Crag is one of the popular climbing areas in the region. The crag offers several routes of varying difficulty, making it an excellent place to put your climbing skills to the test.

Wildlife Viewing

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail is itself an excellent place to spot wildlife, and many hikers see a range of birds and animals as they traverse the trail. There are also many locations within the nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to see wildlife. Visitors can often spot, bears, beavers, elk, shrews, quail, owls, hawks, rabbits, and bats. Reptiles and amphibians such as frogs, painted turtles, and snakes are also common.

Picnicking

The Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, located near the town of Grants Pass, offers a quiet, beautiful picnic space, with tables at each end of the short trail. Fish Lake Picnic Site, located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is also a good spot for picnicking.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Both regular and BLM RV camping options are plentiful in the area around the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Riverpark RV Resort offers large parking spots, including several locations along the river. There are 47 paved full-hookup sites, and each site has a picnic table. Rogue Valley Overnighter RV offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates. The park has restrooms, free hot showers, a laundry area, and a recreation room.

Free Camping

Backpackers can enjoy dispersed Bureau of Land Management free camping along the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. There are also many options for dispersed camping, including free RV camping, in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

RV Rentals Near Rogue River National Recreation Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Rogue River National Recreation Trail BLM trip

Many hikers along the trail are supported by boaters as they journey. If you plan to use boat support, you’ll need a Wild Rogue Float Permit before starting your hike. If you’re carrying all of your own gear, however, no permit is necessary.

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail covers some very steep, somewhat treacherous terrain. Always stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for any eventuality. Carry plenty of water and first aid supplies. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to help keep your footing over slippery areas. Temperatures in the area are generally mild, but they can climb sharply during the day in the summer months, so you may want to dress in layers.

The amenities and policies at each BLM campground vary. For example, some campgrounds along the Rogue River National Recreation Trail have toilets while others require you to pack out any waste. It’s always a good idea to research and find out how long you can stay, whether reservations are accepted, and how many people, tents, or vehicles are allowed at each site. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

All Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and natural sites, particularly fragile ecosystems like the area around the Rogue River National Recreation Trail, can be protected by using leave no trace practices. Always pack out any waste or trash, and if you see litter along the trail, dispose of it properly. Let animals roam undisturbed by observing them from a distance. Always stay on the trail as much as possible. This will help to limit your impact on the plants and animals in the area. Only ever start a fire in a controlled, designated space, and always use firewood you’ve gathered locally, not wood you brought in with you.

Rogue River National Recreation Trail Location

From Grants Pass, take I-5 north to Exit 61. Turn left and head northwest on the Merlin-Galice Road for 23 miles. Cross the Grave Creek bridge and then take two quick left turns. You’ll arrive at the Grave Creek Boat Launch. From there, the trailhead can be located on the west side of the boat landing.

Ready to visit Rogue River National Recreation Trail? 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.