There's no doubt visitors find it difficult to leave the breathtaking views of Crater Lake in the beautiful Cascade Range, but for those headed toward the southwest will want to reserve some time to admire the Rogue River Gorge. Mirrored by Oregon RT-62, this highway takes in the southern half of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway.
   Here in the Cascades, the fitting named Rogue River starts off with a rapid decent as it begins its 200 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean. One of the longest rivers in Oregon, the Rogue was one of the original rivers classified with a Wild and Scenic designation in 1968. The Upper Rogue, a series of rapids, cascades and waterfalls, churns through a wonderland of old growth forests, lava tubes and steep-walled canyons.
   Interpretive signs and pathways are spaced out along the Upper Rogue at different locations. A 3.5 mile Rogue Gorge Trail guides hikers through a spectacular section of the river canyon, beginning at the Natural Bridge Campground parking lot. Here, the trail takes in both sides of the river with a crossing point at the Natural Bridge Viewpoint.
   Known for its extreme whitewater, the Rogue also offers extra special sites for serious anglers. While the Lower Rogue is famous for its salmon catches, the Upper Rogue is the ultimate in steelhead fly fishing. Some anglers go as far as to say it's the best on Earth! Totaling 84 miles, the river bears three classifications, scenic, wild, and recreational. Any visit along this route and the forest trails will quickly show a visit was well worth the time.

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