Backpack - Rogue River National Recreation Trail

7:30am Foster Bar campground / Big Bar trailhead (1 hr from Gold Beach via Agness)

Directions from Gold Beach:  take CR 595  10 miles west to FS 33. Continue 21 miles to CR 375. Turn north go 5.4 miles to the Foster Bar trailhead.  Paved road to Foster Bar.

 4/24 update:  Leader not accepting new permission requests while Forest Service trail/trailhead closed and until COVID-19 health and safety risks reassessed and improved per Mountaineers official guidance. 6/4 update: requires approval of WA and OR (Curry Co.) COVID-19 reopening phase 3 or higher.

New dates October 5-8; rescheduled from May.  

Members only.  Minimum 3 persons.

Leader permission requests required using permission link - include 2-4+ day backpack experience on easy/moderate remote trails, comfort with trailside hazards (poison oak, abundant bears, rattlesnakes, ticks, potential high day temps), agree to Mountaineers COVID-19 safety expectations, and why you're interested in this backpack.  Minimum 3 persons. 

Backpack 30-35+mi RT.  1000' elevation change each direction, with up to 250' gain/loss sections.  Backcountry camps spaced 7-10 miles apart. 

Leader expectations of participants during COVID-19 risk period (before vaccine available):   follow guidelines for social/physical distance, hygiene safety, no tent/gear sharing or carpooling (unless related or household member).   Please cancel if you're feeling sick for any reason.

Treat (filter, boil) all creek water sources along trail and at/near camps.  

Closed tents required.  Bearproof food storage required (canisters, hang) and/or bearproof food storage facilities provided at a few camps.  Carry bear spray.

Be aware of potential hazards along trail and in camps:  black bears, rattlesnakes, ticks, poison oak, possible hot day temps. 

Option for dinner or beverage/snacks at Paradise Bar Lodge; and visit special BLM historical museum at Rogue River Ranch near Marial.

Recommend accommodations night prior to backpack - Foster Bar or other campground near trailhead, or motel in Agness/Gold Beach.

Hike guides recommended for lower Rogue River trail:  100 Classic Hikes in Oregon (Lorain), or Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous (Bernstein).

 Drive time / distance:  Seattle to Gold Beach 478 miles /9.5 hours; Portland to Gold Beach 305 miles / 6.3 hours.  Add 1 hour for Gold Beach  to Foster Bar campground/trailhead.