Rogue Gorge Trail (Natural Bridge Viewpoint to Rogue Gorge)

The 3.5 mile Rogue Gorge Trail guides the hiker to a spectacular view of the Rogue River cascading through a constricted channel of basalt lava. The gorge was formed by the erosive action of the river. The small cave on the west wall of the gorge is the end of a lava tube. The trail begins at the Natural Bridge Viewpoint parking lot and travels upriver on the east side of the Rogue River. The Upper Rogue River Trail traverses the west side of the river. The Natural Bridge and Union Creek Campgrounds are passed before arriving at the Rogue Gorge, located just off Hwy. 62 north of the Union Creek Resort. The gorge area offers an interesting display of pothole formations. These smooth depressions were sculpted into solid rock by the continuous spinning of small rocks churned by the swift river currents. They are especially obvious in a section of dry riverbed above the gorge. A short loop hike is possible by crossing the Rogue River at the Natural Bridge Viewpoint footbridge and following the Upper Rogue River Trail to the Natural Bridge Campground, returning on the Rogue Gorge Trail to Natural Bridge Viewpoint.

This trail is definitely worth the walk. Its an easy, paved trail that takes you to some spectacular spots on the river with information boards to describe how they were formed. Don't forget your camera.