If there is such a thing as magic, it must be found on the spectacular Rogue River hiking event in southern Oregon. Hikers from all over the world come to experience this protected trail … and yet you will rarely see another group of hikers on the trail … true magic. This moderate-difficulty trail hike is unique because over the course of the four-day experience, you can stay each night in nature shelters by the river. The rooms are double occupancy; with hot showers and real beds. Excellent family-style food is the hallmark of each of the lodges.

Hiring through a designated Rogue River provider offers an alternate view of the wild and scenic Rogue River Canyon; Guided trekking along the Rogue River trail. You get the best of both worlds – hiking through one of the best river canyons in the country and the comfort of nature retreats each night. The shipowner packs his heavy gear on a river raft, provides a wonderful riverside lunch every day, and a trail guide to ensure the safety of the group. All you need is your backpack, camera, and water bottle.

The Rogue Canyon Trail offers an excellent scenic experience as the event winds through “enchanted forests,” open meadows of wildflowers, and spectacular overlooks along rocky crags. Black bear, osprey, bald eagle, and deer can be seen throughout the canyon. The Rogue Wild and Scenic section was one of the first river canyons to be placed under the protection of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. So today, there are limits to the number of guests that can travel through the canyon each day, thus protecting this natural Oregon treasure.

The trail is well maintained and in good condition during the spring and early summer months. The elevation of the trail is below 1,000 feet. Ratings are generally mild. On the first and last day of the 4-day hike, you will find steeper areas with a series of curves. For half of the hike much of the trail is level or nearly level. A small part of the trail cuts into rocky cliffs with exposed unevenness. The trail follows the river, sometimes close to the river, other times higher up the canyon. The average distance traveled each day is 10 miles, with the second day being the longest walk at approximately 15 miles. The daily distance is a moderate hike for a person in good physical condition, it provides reasonable time during the day to observe the surroundings, photograph the incredible scenery, and enjoy a nice lunch by the river.

Your historic hiking trip begins at Grave Creek … the beginning of the wild and scenic section of the famous Rogue River. The first five miles of the trail are pretty rocky … so wear proper hiking boots. You will end the first day at Black Bar Lodge … a hike of almost 10 miles a day.

On the second day you will see magnificent views of the river rapids and you will come across various historical sites. Near the end of this day’s 15 mile hike, you will find the beautiful Rogue River Ranch. Visitors can wander the ranch’s well-maintained grounds and look inside its museum (note that in the summer of 2007 the ranch closed, but is expected to reopen in 2008). Just over a mile from the Ranch is Marial Lodge, where you can rest and relax for the night.

The third day gives you more spectacular views of the river … with a famous view of Mule Creek Canyon and the beautiful Stair Creek Falls. Experience this whole day with a pleasant walk through the “enchanted forest” and even try the Tate Creek waterslide. You will hike approximately 8.5 miles on this day and end your trip at Clay Hill Lodge surrounded by beautiful views of the “still waters” of Tacoma.

Your fourth day of hiking is short but includes the steepest part of the test with many changes. Wear long pants to protect yourself from the poison oak that is prevalent along the edge of the test. You’ll arrive at your takeaway point in the early afternoon (Foster Bar) and, if traveling with a Rogue River supplier, you’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive back to your waiting vehicle at the Galicia Resort.

Tips: If you don’t own trail boots, it’s a good idea to keep the following specifics in mind: Buy your boots well in advance of your trip. Use them as much as possible to accommodate them. Good ankle support is important. A useful trick to ensure foot comfort is to carry a spare pair of socks in your backpack. Clothing should be loose fitting and allow full movement.