The beautiful Rogue River country is the focal point of the Galice-Hellgate
Backcountry Byway. The byway is 40 miles, one-way, 80 miles, round-trip. The
entire route is a narrow, winding, paved road and is suitable for passenger
car travel. A portion of the byway is single lane with occasional turnouts.
Numerous river access points and developed recreation sites allow you to
experience the river and its variety of recreation experiences. Much of the
drive provides a view of the deep river canyon with impressive rock walls
bordered by forested slopes. Smullin Visitor Center at Rand is 18 miles into
the route and can provide information about the area.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open Season Galice-Hellgate Backcountry Byway is open YEAR ROUND.
  * Pullouts and Recreation Sites provide opportunities to view scenery and wildlife.
  * Travelers should be cautious, especially along the Galice Access Road.
  * Restrooms available in Galice and Smullen Visitor Center at Rand.
  * Services are available in the community of Galice along the byway, or in Merlin and Grants Pass, Oregon.
  * If you plan on continuing your travel beyond this byway route be sure to have a full tank of gas, a first aid kit, food, and water with you as you will be traveling into remote country with no services. Roads beyond this byway route are often closed in winter, due to snow accumulation.

## Point of Interest

The byway provides access to the Rogue River National Recreation Trail at
Grave Creek. This historic trail was originally developed by the Takelma
Indians and improved by miners and settlers as they moved deeper into the
canyon.

<p>The beautiful Rogue River country is the focal point of the Galice-Hellgate Backcountry Byway. The byway is 40 miles, one-way, 80 miles, round-trip. The entire route is a narrow, winding, paved road and is suitable for passenger car travel. A portion of the byway is single lane with occasional turnouts. Numerous river access points and developed recreation sites allow you to experience the river and its variety of recreation experiences. Much of the drive provides a view of the deep river canyon with impressive rock walls bordered by forested slopes. Smullin Visitor Center at Rand is 18 miles into the route and can provide information about the area.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open Season Galice-Hellgate Backcountry Byway is open YEAR ROUND.</li><li>Pullouts and Recreation Sites provide opportunities to view scenery and wildlife.</li><li>Travelers should be cautious, especially along the Galice Access Road.</li><li>Restrooms available in Galice and Smullen Visitor Center at Rand.</li><li>Services are available in the community of Galice along the byway, or in Merlin and Grants Pass, Oregon.</li><li>If you plan on continuing your travel beyond this byway route be sure to have a full tank of gas, a first aid kit, food, and water with you as you will be traveling into remote country with no services. Roads beyond this byway route are often closed in winter, due to snow accumulation.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The byway provides access to the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail" title="Rogue River National Recreation Trail" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail</a> at Grave Creek. This historic trail was originally developed by the Takelma Indians and improved by miners and settlers as they moved deeper into the canyon.</p>

Informational sign at Hellgate Canyon Viewpoint on the Rogue River

Galice-Hellgate Back Country Byway

The United States Congress designated Oregon's Wild Rogue Wilderness in 1978
and it now has a total of 35,806 acres—approximately 27,111 are U.S. Forest
Service lands and 8,600 are Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The
legislation assigned the U.S. Forest Service to manage the entire Wilderness
Area.

Surrounding the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, the rugged and complex canyon
landscape of the Wild Rogue Wilderness provides watershed protection for the
Wild portion of the river. The area is characterized by steep terrain of near
vertical cliffs, razor-sharp ridges and cascading mountain creeks.

## Know Before You Go

Along the river you may see deer and otters, or even black bears looking for a
meal of salmon. Bears, grown accustomed to easy pickings from boaters, may
prove a nuisance in numerous campsites. Birds abound, such as fish eating
osprey and great blue heron and lizards hasten over the dry slopes above the
water. Ticks and rattlesnakes are often encountered.

The river corridor is also excellent habitat for poison oak, whose stems and
shiny leaves in groups of three can be a problem throughout the year.
Mosquitoes are present during a good part of the season and yellow jackets can
be a nuisance during the typically hot, rainless summer days.

Visitors can help in protecting this fragile ecosystem by adequately planning
and by arriving prepared! Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, and common
sense can help to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable trip to the wild.
Trail junctions are generally unsigned, so you should carry a map and a
compass. And always, be sure to bring your ten essentials!

<p>The United States Congress designated Oregon's Wild Rogue Wilderness in 1978 and it now has a total of 35,806 acres—approximately 27,111 are U.S. Forest Service lands and 8,600 are Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The legislation assigned the U.S. Forest Service to manage the entire Wilderness Area.</p><p>Surrounding the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, the rugged and complex canyon landscape of the Wild Rogue Wilderness provides watershed protection for the Wild portion of the river. The area is characterized by steep terrain of near vertical cliffs, razor-sharp ridges and cascading mountain creeks.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><p>Along the river you may see deer and otters, or even black bears looking for a meal of salmon. Bears, grown accustomed to easy pickings from boaters, may prove a nuisance in numerous campsites. Birds abound, such as fish eating osprey and great blue heron and lizards hasten over the dry slopes above the water. Ticks and rattlesnakes are often encountered.</p><p>The river corridor is also excellent habitat for poison oak, whose stems and shiny leaves in groups of three can be a problem throughout the year. Mosquitoes are present during a good part of the season and yellow jackets can be a nuisance during the typically hot, rainless summer days.</p><p>Visitors can help in protecting this fragile ecosystem by adequately planning and by arriving prepared! Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, and common sense can help to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable trip to the wild. Trail junctions are generally unsigned, so you should carry a map and a compass. And always, be sure to bring your ten essentials!</p>

Rogue Wild and Scenic River

Rogue Wild & Scenic River

You never know who you might meet at Cathedral Hills! This 10-mile trail
system is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and trail
runners. Located minutes from downtown Grants Pass, the trails loop through
400 acres of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests and provide views of the
Rogue Valley and surrounding mountains. The system of connected trails allows
you to tailor your experience to your fitness and skill levels—no matter what
your mode of transportation may be. Abundant wildflowers and mild weather make
spring a popular time to visit Cathedral Hills.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open year-round.
  * Day-use only.
  * Three trailheads: Espey accommodates 10 vehicles plus 5 vehicles with horse trailers, Sky Crest accommodates 10 vehicles, and Walker accommodates 2 vehicles.
  * Restrooms: Espey and Sky Crest trailheads.
  * No drinking water.
  * Please respect the private property boundaries surrounding the area.
  * Watch for ticks, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and other trail users.
  * Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

## Point of Interest

Cathedral Hills contains two trees on the Oregon Champion Tree Registry: a
25-foot-tall whiteleaf manzanita and a 117-foot-tall knobcone pine (also
registered on Champion Trees Registry).

## Helpful Links

  * Cathedral Hills Brochure
  * Explore Oregon Recreation: Cathedral Hills Trail System video

<p>You never know who you might meet at Cathedral Hills! This 10-mile trail system is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and trail runners. Located minutes from downtown Grants Pass, the trails loop through 400 acres of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests and provide views of the Rogue Valley and surrounding mountains. The system of connected trails allows you to tailor your experience to your fitness and skill levels—no matter what your mode of transportation may be. Abundant wildflowers and mild weather make spring a popular time to visit Cathedral Hills.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open year-round.</li><li>Day-use only.</li><li>Three trailheads: Espey accommodates 10 vehicles plus 5 vehicles with horse trailers, Sky Crest accommodates 10 vehicles, and Walker accommodates 2 vehicles.</li><li>Restrooms: Espey and Sky Crest trailheads.</li><li>No drinking water.</li><li>Please respect the private property boundaries surrounding the area.</li><li>Watch for ticks, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and other trail users.</li><li>Remember your <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow">OUTDOOR ETHICS</a> when enjoying your public lands. Please<a href="https://www.recreateresponsibly.org" rel="nofollow"> RECREATE RESPONSIBLY</a>.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>Cathedral Hills contains two trees on the <a href="https://www.championtreeregistry.com/oregon-registry/" rel="nofollow">Oregon Champion Tree Registry</a>: a 25-foot-tall whiteleaf manzanita and a 117-foot-tall knobcone pine (also registered on <a href="https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/champion-trees-registry/" rel="nofollow">Champion Trees Registry</a>).</p><h2>Helpful Links</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/med-cathedral-hills-brochure.pdf" title="Cathedral Hills Brochure" rel="nofollow">Cathedral Hills Brochure</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCAZM6IKVrU" rel="nofollow">Explore Oregon Recreation: Cathedral Hills Trail System video</a></li></ul>

Oak woodland on the Cathedral Hills Trail System.

Horseback rider on the Cathedral Hills Trail System.

Mountain bike rider on the Cathedral Hills Trail System.

Cathedral Hills Trail System

Take a hike down the 1.8-mile Rainie Falls trail following a portion of the
mighty and wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Oaks,
madrones and a variety of verdant vegetation line this path to the falls. This
short trail is cut on the opposite—but generally shadier—side of the Rogue
River where it's much longer cousin, the Rogue River National Recreation Trail
traverses 40 miles from Grave Creek to Big Bend.

## Know Before You Go:

  * Parking is available opposite the trailhead in the pullout across Galice Road.
  * No facilities are available at the trailhead or at Rainie Falls, but a vault toilet is located at the Grave Creek Boat Ramp, across the Grave Creek Bridge.

## Point of Interest:

A little over a mile down the trail, look along the river side of the trail
for remnants of a hexagonal suspension bridge abutment, built in 1908. The
bridge washed out in 1927 and is evidence of the area's rich mining history.

<p>Take a hike down the 1.8-mile Rainie Falls trail following a portion of the mighty and wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Oaks, madrones and a variety of verdant vegetation line this path to the falls. This short trail is cut on the opposite—but generally shadier—side of the Rogue River where it's much longer cousin, the Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses 40 miles from Grave Creek to Big Bend.</p><h2>Know Before You Go:</h2><ul><li>Parking is available opposite the trailhead in the pullout across Galice Road.</li><li>No facilities are available at the trailhead or at Rainie Falls, but a vault toilet is located at the Grave Creek Boat Ramp, across the Grave Creek Bridge.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest:</h2><p>A little over a mile down the trail, look along the river side of the trail for remnants of a hexagonal suspension bridge abutment, built in 1908. The bridge washed out in 1927 and is evidence of the area's rich mining history.</p>

Trailside view of Rogue River, May 4, 2017.

The Rogue River & Rainie Falls Trail.

View of Rainie Falls Trail from above.

Early day view of Sanderson's Bridge, a suspension crossing bridge.

Sanderson's Bridge

Rainie Falls Trail

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses the wild section of the
Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching
40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of
southwestern Oregon's most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking
experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening
streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue
Canyon. Observation and exploration opportunities abound for hikers to observe
wildlife, wildflowers and historical sites along the way.

The Rogue River Trail is a HIKING TRAIL ONLY, closed to motorized vehicles,
bicycles, and pack animals. The trail may be hiked from either end or from the
middle.

The trail is rated DIFFICULT due to the remote nature of the trail, tall
cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks.
Most of the trail is well constructed and has moderate grades. The average
hiker takes 4-5 days to walk the 40 miles.

During the heat of the summer, temperatures may reach 100° F. Many hikers
choose to hike from west to east, keeping the afternoon sun at their backs.

Moderate temperatures make spring and fall popular seasons to hike. Annual
maintenance usually occurs April through June, after winter storms are no
longer a threat.

Check out the Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide for a detailed
description of the trail.

## Distances from Grave Creek

**Location - Miles**

  * Whisky Creek - 3.2
  * Black Bar Lodge - 9.3
  * Kelsey Creek - 15
  * Rogue River Ranch - 22.7
  * Marial - 23.9
  * Blossom Bar - 26.4
  * Paradise Creek - 27.3
  * Brushy Bar - 30.5 (currently closed)
  * Big Bend/Foster Bar - 40 (currently closed)

## Know Before You Go

  * Sections of the trail have significant EXPOSURE RISK as the trail traverses steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Rogue River. Please use caution and watch your footing.
  * A Wild Rogue Float Permit is required for trail hikers when trail hikers are supported by boaters. A Permit is not required if a hiker hikes the trail and packs all of their own gear. More permit information.
  * Water in creeks should be treated by boiling or filtration methods before consumption. Water is NOT available at the Rogue River Ranch.
  * The BLM and Forest Service provide toilets at some campsites. At sites where toilets are not provided, please pack out human waste with an approved system, or use the "cat hole" method.

## Point of Interest

The Rogue River trail is notable for its rich history which is manifested in
the three National Historic Sites along its path: Whisky Creek, Zane Grey
Cabin and Rogue River Ranch. Read about some of the wild endeavors of the
river canyon's former occupants in the Rogue River National Recreation Trail
Guide.

<p>The Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses the wild section of the Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching 40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of southwestern Oregon's most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue Canyon. Observation and exploration opportunities abound for hikers to observe wildlife, wildflowers and historical sites along the way.</p><p>The Rogue River Trail is a HIKING TRAIL ONLY, closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pack animals. The trail may be hiked from either end or from the middle.</p><p>The trail is rated DIFFICULT due to the remote nature of the trail, tall cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks. Most of the trail is well constructed and has moderate grades. The average hiker takes 4-5 days to walk the 40 miles.</p><p>During the heat of the summer, temperatures may reach 100° F. Many hikers choose to hike from west to east, keeping the afternoon sun at their backs.</p><p>Moderate temperatures make spring and fall popular seasons to hike. Annual maintenance usually occurs April through June, after winter storms are no longer a threat.</p><p>Check out the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-05/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide</a> for a detailed description of the trail.</p><h2>Distances from Grave Creek</h2><p><strong>Location - Miles</strong></p><ul><li>Whisky Creek - 3.2</li><li>Black Bar Lodge - 9.3</li><li>Kelsey Creek - 15</li><li>Rogue River Ranch - 22.7</li><li>Marial - 23.9</li><li>Blossom Bar - 26.4</li><li>Paradise Creek - 27.3</li><li>Brushy Bar - 30.5 (currently closed)</li><li>Big Bend/Foster Bar - 40 (currently closed)</li></ul><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Sections of the trail have significant EXPOSURE RISK as the trail traverses steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Rogue River. Please use caution and watch your footing.</li><li>A Wild Rogue Float Permit is required for trail hikers when trail hikers are supported by boaters. A Permit is not required if a hiker hikes the trail and packs all of their own gear. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river" title="More permit information" rel="nofollow">More permit information</a>.</li><li>Water in creeks should be treated by boiling or filtration methods before consumption. Water is NOT available at the Rogue River Ranch.</li><li>The BLM and Forest Service provide toilets at some campsites. At sites where toilets are not provided, please pack out human waste with an approved system, or use the "cat hole" method.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The Rogue River trail is notable for its rich history which is manifested in the three National Historic Sites along its path: Whisky Creek, Zane Grey Cabin and Rogue River Ranch. Read about some of the wild endeavors of the river canyon's former occupants in the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-05/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf" title="Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide</a>.</p>

Cliffside Rogue River Trail

Rafters on the Rogue River

Rogue River View

Rogue River National Recreation Trail

Test your skills on this single-track, flow trail designed specifically for
mountain bikes. Seven miles of trail (with more planned) provide a stacked
loop system of trails with opportunities for beginning to advanced bikers. The
higher you climb, the more technically challenging the trails become. A climb
of 1,300 feet in elevation to the top of Tin Pan Peak rewards the advanced
rider with a thrilling descent that features exposure, steep rollers, tight
turns, berms, and rock gardens. The lower loops deliver plenty of challenges
for beginning and intermediate riders. Spectacular views of the Rogue River
and surrounding mountains abound from many locations along the trail.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open year-round; riding during wet conditions is discouraged.
  * Day-use only.
  * No water or trash cans.
  * Restroom available.
  * Watch out for poison oak and rattlesnakes.
  * Be aware that the trail system is directional with portions open to both hikers and bikers; no horses, please.
  * The best riding conditions are in the spring and fall or early in the day in the summer. Summers can be very hot and dry and winter freeze-thaw can make the trail muddy.

## Point of Interest

The trail system is maintained with help from the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike
Association (RVMBA) and community volunteers.

<p>Test your skills on this single-track, flow trail designed specifically for mountain bikes. Seven miles of trail (with more planned) provide a stacked loop system of trails with opportunities for beginning to advanced bikers. The higher you climb, the more technically challenging the trails become. A climb of 1,300 feet in elevation to the top of Tin Pan Peak rewards the advanced rider with a thrilling descent that features exposure, steep rollers, tight turns, berms, and rock gardens. The lower loops deliver plenty of challenges for beginning and intermediate riders. Spectacular views of the Rogue River and surrounding mountains abound from many locations along the trail.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open year-round; riding during wet conditions is discouraged.</li><li>Day-use only.</li><li>No water or trash cans.</li><li>Restroom available.</li><li>Watch out for poison oak and rattlesnakes.</li><li>Be aware that the trail system is directional with portions open to both hikers and bikers; no horses, please.</li><li>The best riding conditions are in the spring and fall or early in the day in the summer. Summers can be very hot and dry and winter freeze-thaw can make the trail muddy.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The trail system is maintained with help from the <a href="http://rvmba.org/" rel="nofollow">Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA)</a> and community volunteers.</p>

Side hill carving at the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System

Catching air at the Mountain of the Rogue Trail System

Mountain biking with a view

Mountain of the Rogue Trail System

The Enchanted Forest Trail is a short scenic trail leading to the Felton
Memorial Trail. Both trails offer abundant opportunities to explore a diverse
range of environments. The Enchanted Forest trail is 1.7 miles, and leads to
the Felton Trail, which is 1.5 miles. The Felton Memorial Trail was
constructed as a memorial to three men who perished when a helicopter crashed
on BLM lands near the terminus of the trail. Both trails end at private
property; please respect it and do not trespass. Both trails are out and back
only; they do not make a loop. Parking is limited, and users are reminded to
not block driveways that are on either side of the small parking area.

<p>The Enchanted Forest Trail is a short scenic trail leading to the Felton Memorial Trail. Both trails offer abundant opportunities to explore a diverse range of environments. The Enchanted Forest trail is 1.7 miles, and leads to the Felton Trail, which is 1.5 miles. The Felton Memorial Trail was constructed as a memorial to three men who perished when a helicopter crashed on BLM lands near the terminus of the trail. Both trails end at private property; please respect it and do not trespass. Both trails are out and back only; they do not make a loop. Parking is limited, and users are reminded to not block driveways that are on either side of the small parking area.</p>

Galice-Hellgate Back Country Byway

Know Before You Go

Point of Interest

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Rogue Wild & Scenic River

Cathedral Hills Trail System

Rainie Falls Trail

Rogue River National Recreation Trail

Mountain of the Rogue Trail System

Enchanted Forest/Felton Trail