KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
All I-5 traffic: Use Gold Hill Exit 40.
Crater Lake Hwy 62 traffic: Use Hwy 234 to Gold Hill, then left 1/2 mile.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Southern Oregon is a hiker's paradise, boasting a diverse array of trails that showcase the region's unparalleled natural beauty. From the towering peaks of the Cascade Range to the lush, old-growth forests and the rugged, coastal landscapes, this corner of the state offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for hikers of all skill levels.
Whether you're seeking a challenging summit hike, a serene waterfall trek, or a leisurely stroll through ancient redwood groves, Southern Oregon has something to captivate every outdoor enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top hiking destinations in the region, providing detailed information on trail experiences, scenic highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your ultimate hiking adventure.
The Rogue River Trail, stretching 40 miles from Grave Creek Boat Launch near Grants Pass to Foster Bar near Gold Beach, is one of Southern Oregon's most iconic hiking experiences. This trail immerses hikers in the heart of the Klamath-Siskiyou mountains, where the mighty Rogue River carves a stunning canyon through towering, thousand-foot walls.
Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse array of landscapes, from lush, old-growth forests to sandy beaches and historic lodges built in the 1930s. The trail can be enjoyed as a multi-day backpacking trip or through shorter, day hike options, such as the Rainie Falls hike or the Marial to Paradise Lodge segment. Regardless of your chosen route, the Rogue River Trail promises to captivate your senses and transport you to a timeless wilderness.
The North Umpqua Canyon, often referred to as the "Columbia River Gorge of Southern Oregon," is a veritable treasure trove of cascading waterfalls. From the thundering Fall Creek Falls to the unique, columnar basalt formations of Toketee Falls, this region offers a diverse array of waterfall hikes that are sure to captivate the senses.
Many of these waterfalls can be accessed directly from State Highway 138, making them easily accessible for hikers of all abilities. Even in the winter months, when the falls are often adorned with a dusting of snow, they remain a sight to behold. Some of the must-see waterfalls in the North Umpqua Canyon include Fall Creek Falls, Wolf Creek Falls, Watson Falls, and Toketee Falls.
While Oregon may not be as renowned for its redwood forests as its neighbor to the south, the state does offer a handful of exceptional hiking opportunities to explore these ancient giants. Two of the best destinations for redwood hiking are located along the southwest Oregon coast near Brookings.
The Alfred E. Loeb State Park and the Oregon Redwoods Trail both feature short, yet rewarding hikes through dense, old-growth redwood forests. Hikers can marvel at the towering trunks, some of which are among the largest trees in the world, and even step inside the hollowed-out interior of a redwood tree on the Oregon Redwoods Trail.
These hikes are not only scenic, but also provide a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient history and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest's coastal ecosystems.
The Table Rocks, located in Central Point, are a pair of iconic mesas that offer a unique hiking experience in Southern Oregon. These flat-topped "mountains" with their sliced-off summits provide panoramic views of the Rogue River canyon and the surrounding Cascade Range, including the majestic Mount McLoughlin.
Both the Lower and Upper Table Rocks offer moderate hikes, with the Lower Table Rock trail being slightly longer at 5.4 miles round-trip, but less steep than the 2.8-mile Upper Table Rock hike. The best time to visit is during the spring, when the trails are adorned with a stunning display of endangered wildflowers.
For those seeking to experience the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, located between Brookings and Gold Beach, is a must-visit destination. This 11-mile stretch of coastline offers a variety of accessible hikes, each showcasing the region's dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and stunning vistas.
One of the popular hikes in this corridor is the Cape Ferrelo loop, a easy 1-mile trail that traces the edge of the cliffs. For a longer adventure, the Whaleshead Beach trail, a 6-mile out-and-back, follows the Oregon Coast Trail and leads to the beautiful cliffside sand dunes known as the Indians Sands.
No exploration of Southern Oregon's hiking trails would be complete without a visit to Crater Lake National Park, home to the iconic Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. While the park offers numerous hiking opportunities, one of the must-do trails is the hike to the summit of Mount Scott, the tallest mountain within the park's boundaries.
The 4.4-mile round-trip hike to the 8,929-foot summit of Mount Scott provides hikers with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Crater Lake basin, as well as the surrounding Cascade peaks. The trail, which is typically accessible from late July to September, traverses a landscape of ash, pumice, and loose gravel, offering a unique and challenging hiking experience.
Nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon, the Kalmiopsis Wilderness is a true geological marvel, with a landscape sculpted by ancient volcanic activity and the uplifting of the Earth's mantle. The Illinois River Trail, which winds through the northern portion of this vast wilderness area, offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in this unique and captivating environment.
As you traverse the Illinois River Trail, you'll encounter uncommon plant life, such as the carnivorous cobra lily, and witness the rare Kalmiopsis flower blooming on the hillsides. The trail's 28-mile length provides ample opportunity for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures, with highlights including the views of the Illinois River and the historic Fantz Ranch.
Towering over the Alvord Desert in southeastern Oregon, Steens Mountain is a true high-altitude gem that offers hikers a chance to explore a landscape that seems to hang in the sky. One of the must-do hikes in this region is the trail to Wildhorse Lake, a multicolored basin perched just below the 9,734-foot summit of Steens Mountain.
The 2.6-mile round-trip hike to Wildhorse Lake is relatively easy, with just 1,100 feet of elevation gain, but the high altitude and exposed nature of the trail create a truly unique and otherworldly experience. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the basin, filled with wildflowers and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Steens Mountain range.
Beyond the iconic trails and destinations we've explored, Southern Oregon's Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest is a vast and diverse hiker's playground, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From the remote and rugged Red Buttes Wilderness to the stunning Devil's Punchbowl in the Siskiyou Wilderness, this region is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
One such gem is the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness, where hikers can explore a landscape of oddball geology, high-desert features, and a stunning cliff-walled meadow. Further north, the Seven Lakes Basin in the Sky Lakes Wilderness provides a spectacular multi-day backpacking experience, with alpine ridges, blue pools, and more than 200 small lakes to explore.
In addition to the North Umpqua Canyon's impressive cascades, Southern Oregon is home to a wealth of other stunning waterfalls that deserve exploration. From the double waterfall of Fall Creek Falls to the towering Watson Falls and the unique Toketee Falls, this region offers a diverse array of waterfall hikes for visitors to enjoy.
Further south, the Rogue River Trail provides access to the magnificent Rainie Falls, while the Oregon Coast showcases the beauty of Drift Creek Falls and Sweet Creek Falls. Whether you're seeking a short, easy hike or a more challenging trek, Southern Oregon's waterfall wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression.
While day hikes offer a wonderful way to explore Southern Oregon's trails, the region also boasts several exceptional backpacking opportunities for those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience. One of the most renowned is the Wild Rogue Loop, a challenging 28-mile trek through the heart of the Klamath-Siskiyou mountains.
For those seeking a more remote and rugged backpacking adventure, the Illinois River Trail in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness provides a chance to explore a geological wonderland, with opportunities to spot rare plant life and witness the historic Fantz Ranch. Further north, the Seven Lakes Basin in the Sky Lakes Wilderness is a popular multi-day backpacking destination, offering stunning alpine scenery and a chance to connect with the region's abundant lakes and wildlife.
Southern Oregon's hiking trails are a true treasure trove of natural wonders, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From the towering waterfalls of the North Umpqua Canyon to the ancient redwood groves of the coast, and the high-altitude splendor of Steens Mountain, this region is a hiker's dream come true.
By delving into the diverse hiking destinations outlined in this guide, you'll have the chance to witness the region's unique geological features, rare plant life, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're seeking a challenging summit hike, a serene waterfall trek, or a leisurely stroll through the wilderness, Southern Oregon's trails have something to captivate every outdoor enthusiast.
So pack your hiking boots, grab your map, and get ready to unlock the secrets of this remarkable corner of the Pacific Northwest. The trails of Southern Oregon await, promising unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
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