Day Hike - Rogue River National Recreation Trail

8:00am - Grave Creek bridge trailhead

Directions, from Seattle):   I-5 north of Grants Pass to Merlin exit 61, follow signs 3.6 mi to Merline, continue straight for 18.5 paved miles down Rogue River.  Beyond Galic 7 miles (and 4.5 miles past Rand Visitor Center), park along road  just before high bridge across Rogue River at Grave Creek.

We'll hike 7.5 miles round trip at leaisurely pace from Grave Creek trailhead to Whiskey Creek, to view river canyon scenery, geology, birds and other wildlife, spring wildflowers and other flora.  Short to extended nature/photo stops along trail.  The Rogue River trail is one of the earlier spring wildflower bloom locations in the Pacific Northwest. 

Bring binoculars, cameras, bird/flower apps or field guides, lunch, plenty of water.  Long pants/gaiters, trekking poles recommended.  Be vigilant for ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes along trail.  Be prepared for cool 50s to very hot weather 80s-90s.

Overview of Rogue River flora and fauna:  https://rogueriverraft.com/flora-and-fauna-of-the-rogue-river/

Recommended guidebooks:  The Rogue River Trail Flora Guide (Rachel Showalter), Oregon wildflower apps, 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous.

Consider extending your visit in SW Oregon - combining with Naturalist/Photo-oriented trips to Grants Pass area botanical areas 4/16-17 and Upper Table Rocks 4/18.

Camping nearby at Valley of the Rogue State Park https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/valley-of-the-rogue-state-park/OR/402363/overview , Josephine county parks http://co.josephine.or.us/camping or motel (Grants Pass area) recommended.

Be aware of driving distance/time from Seattle to Grants Pass area 282 miles / 4.5 hrs and 33 miles to Grave Creek bridge trailhead.