Rogue River OR National Forest

By Sharon Ward

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is a vast and scenic forest encompassing nearly 1.8 million acres (7,300 km²)  in southwestern Oregon and northern California. It’s a combination of two formerly separate forests – the Rogue River National Forest and the Siskiyou National Forest

Where Is Rogue River OR

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest spans parts of two states:

 

Southern Oregon: It covers portions of five counties – Jackson, Klamath, Douglas, Siskiyou, and Josephine. Siskiyou County is the only one in California.

 

Northern California: The forest also reaches into Del Norte County in northwestern California.

 

While the Rogue River and Siskiyou were once separate National Forests, they were administratively combined in 2004. The Rogue River section is located primarily in Oregon, and the Siskiyou section extends into both Oregon and California.

About Rogue River OR

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boasts a diverse range of  geographic features including:

  • The crest of the Cascade Range
  • The Siskiyou Mountains
  • Parts of the Southern Oregon Coast Range
  • The Klamath Mountains

The Rogue River, the namesake of the forest on the Oregon side, is the largest river flowing through the forest. It originates in the Cascade Range and winds its way through the Klamath Mountains and Coast Range before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

The forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Rock climbing

The Rogue River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting.  The forest also provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including:

  • Black bears
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Wild turkeys
  • Bald eagles
  • Salmon

If you’re looking for a place to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is a great option.