The 630,000 acre Rogue River National Forest is composed of two separate units of land, each with its own diverse terrain and vegetation. On the west, the Forest includes the headwaters of the Applegate River, within the ancient and complex geology of the Siskiyou Mountains. This is a country of narrow canyons and high, steep ridges. The variety of environments includes open oak woodlands, dense conifer forests and barren, rocky ridgetops. To the east, the Forest contains the upper reaches of the Rogue River, located along the slopes of the younger, volcanic Cascade Range. The southern Cascades have several deep canyons, such as the Middle Fork of the Rogue and the South Fork of Little Butte Creek. The area’s extensive forest of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and other conifers is enlivened by occasional meadows, lakes and meandering streams.
A wide variety of recreation opportunities are available in the Rogue River National Forest, including fishing, swimming, hiking and skiing. The Forest contains approximately 400 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs the entire length of the Forest. Other remote sections of the Forest include the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness and, to the south, the Red Buttes Wilderness in the rugged headwaters of the Applegate River. Downhill skiing (at Mt. Ashland Ski Area), cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular wintertime activities.
Recreation
There are over 40 developed campgrounds and picnic grounds. The Rogue River National Forest contains approximately 400 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs the entire length of the Forest, through the remote back country of the Sky Lakes Wilderness along the spine of the High Cascades and extends westward along the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains. Other remote sections of the Forest include the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness and, to the south, the Red Buttes Wilderness in the rugged headwaters of the Applegate River. Downhill skiing (at Mt. Ashland Ski Area), cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular wintertime activities.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Rogue River National Forest
333 West 8th Street
P. O. Box 520
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-858-2200
Weather/Climate
Climate on the Rogue River National Forest changes greatly with elevation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as snow in the higher elevations where very cold temperatures are possible. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent. Late spring, summer and early autumn tend to bring clear, sunny days with moderate temperatures.
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