A small Detail of the AHG journeyed up Highway 62 to view the Fall Colors on the Upper Rogue River, Monday. This was the annual hike in October to see the Autumn change in leaves from green to yellow, then gold, and from pink to red.
We started just off Woodruff Bridge on the Rogue River Trail, and went 3.5 miles to the Natural Bridge.
It was 37 degrees when we arrived at the TH, with only slight showers and no wind at 10 am. We all made sure to dress warm and with adequate rain gear.
The changing Vine Maples and Dogwoods created "oh, wow!" reactions along the Trail.
We had our group photo taken on the bridge, then we were off on the hike. The hike is mostly level with only 300' of gain over the 7-mile RT.
Randy got many pictures of the brilliant colors, enhanced by the overnight rain.
Ferns had also changed from summer green to fall gold. The Upper Rogue, too, was putting on a show. with white water plunging over cascades and roaring in our ears.
We took the off-trail to view Knob Falls, squeezing through the gorge, on our way towards the Natural Bridge.
At the Natural Bridge, we viewed all the wonders. From caves bored out from pounding water, to ancient Lava Tubes now transporting water downstream and underneath the Natural Bridge.
On Indigenous Peoples Day, it was an opportune moment to think of the Native Tribes following the herds across this only crossing of the Rogue for thousands of years.
We followed the path into the forest and sat down on fallen logs to enjoy our lunch.
On our way back down the Trail, the sun started to break through the clouds. As we left the Woodruff Bridge, the afternoon temperature had risen to 49 degrees.
On the way back down Highway 62 near the Sam's Valley turnoff, we noticed a herd of Elk charging to cross the road. Luckily, they turned back before crashing into speeding cars.
Note: Hike leaders will meet at Liz's house to hold a planning meeting to discuss possible First Aid instructions for AHG members.
Stay tuned,
Rich
