Six of us headed north to check out the upper Rogue River north from Woodruff Bridge.  I had called the Ranger Station in Prospect and was told that the road was clear and maintained to the bridge.  So we headed north.  However, turned out the road was not maintained and there was a lot of snow for us to drive through.  We finally stopped driving about a mile from the bridge and decided to hike from there. 

The trail was challenging.  We hiked over, and sometimes in, about 18 to 24 inches of snow.  At times it was solid ice and other times we were up to our knees in snow.  We were able to stay mostly on the trail but there many obstacles, ranging from down trees to large bushes being weighted down with by the snow.  Several times I wondered if we should turn around and go someplace else but the group wanted to keep going.  Our adjusted lunch spot became Nob Falls, which was about 2.7 miles from the car. 

Nob Falls was one of the most amazing lunch spots I have experienced.  We were right on the river next to the falls, sitting on rocks.  It was wonderful and all thought the hike was worth the result.  After many pictures and admiring the views, we headed back.  We decided to bushwhack to a nearby road (also covered in snow) and see what it was like hiking without bushes and trees in the way.  Not sure it was easier but it was a different route back to the cars.

This hike was a memorable adventure and everyone made it without incident.  One never seem to know how Wednesday hikes will turn out but everyone seems to enjoy the challenges.

Keeley

Track download: Woodruff Bridge North 2-16-22.gpx