Thinking about going Rogue? Try this lodge-to-lodge trek along Oregon’s big river

Mention Oregon’s Rogue River to outdoor adventurers and they’ll likely conjure images of rafts and kayaks plunging through Class III and IV rapids as the river courses its way through the Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

But there’s another way to experience the Rogue Canyon.

Hikers can trek along a trail that was originally built for pack mules to supply miners. Now more than 100 years old,it’s one of the great historical trails in the United States. One of the best times to make this journey is in September and October, when summer temperatures have cooled.

For the past 20 years, Rogue Wilderness Adventures has been offering four-day raft-supported hiking trips that include stays at historic lodges. That means participants hike the trail with a day-pack, water, camera and a snack while the rest of their gear gets transported by boat.

Better yet, raft-supported hiking trips give participants a chance to meet up with the guide for some trail tips and highlights and sit down and enjoy lunch.

Each night, hikers arrive at one of the historic lodges and enjoy comfortable cabins, hot water and private bathrooms.

These treks begin at Grave Creek trail head about 30 miles west of the town of Grants Pass. The 40-mile easy hike ends at Foster Bar (the walk is downhill most of the way).

The four-day lodge-to-lodge hiking trip costs $1,199 per person.

Rogue Wilderness Adventures also offers wine-themed hiking trips on the Rogue that include bringing a winemaker along. These treks will be offered next May and June.

Info: Rogue Wilderness Adventures, (800) 336-1647

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