Woodruff Bridge to Viani Falls

The annual Fall Colors hike on the Upper Rogue River was our best attended hike since the Covid pandemic began in mid March. Eleven hikers gathered at Woodruff Bridge under blue skies and cool clean air. Those there to view the changing Fall colors along the river banks were not disappointed. All along the 4.5 mile route we saw brilliant hues of red, gold, pink and yellow leaves from the dogwoods and vine maples.

We had stops for pictures and to view Knob Falls and the River diving under the Natural Bridge and out lava tubes. At the end of the Natural Bridge viewing area, we followed the trail up and over the hilly forest to our perfect lunch spot at Viani Falls. Sunny with noontime temps reaching the 70s we enjoyed a relaxing lunch while Jerry, Bob and Linda took pictures of the Rogue roaring through the narrow channel near the Bridge to Nowhere. Another Fall display was the Fire Weed growing out of the river cliffs with both green and purple sword-like leaves.

As the group gathered back at Woodruff Bridge, everyone seemed glad to have taken part in this special yearly hike. Five of us stopped at Phil’s Frosty in Shady Cove and we amazed the young lady server by each ordering a scoop of Lemon Bar ice cream. Liz’s favorite!

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Jerry, Linda