Lower Rogue – Grave Creek to Whisky Creek

April on the Lower Rogue River seems to be the perfect time to explore the canyon trail down to Whiskey Creek. The weather was sunny and mild with morning temps around 50 and afternoon temps approaching 70. And Spring wildflowers painted the trail with bright and varied colors.

Ten of us gathered at the Grave Creek TH for an inspiring seven mile out and back with a 1000′ gain above the Rogue,

Thanks to Randy for a photo journal of the day’s hike, and to Liz for her help identifying flowers.

The posted flowers, in order, are: the yellow Monkey Face (seep Mimulus) growing enmass on the canyon wall; close ups of Blue Camas, Monkey Face, Indian Paintbrush and shiny oily Poison Oak. Then a rare sighting of the Del Norte yellow Iris and finally a field of Blue Dicks. Some but not all of those flowers not pictured were: the Woodland Madia (a yellow Aster), Red Larkspur (Delphinium), Western Buttercup, Fiddleneck, Rosy Plectritis/ Spring Blush, Scarlet Fritillary/ Red Bell, and Western Wallflower. April is definitely prime time to see wildflowers on the Lower Rogue.

When we got to our lunch destination, most of us enjoyed a sunny, sandy spot on the river next to Whiskey Creek. But some did some further exploring up at Lou Martin’s historic “Whisky Cabin”.

On the way back we stopped to watch rafts and kayaks shoot the rapids through white water on the Rogue.

It was a perfect day enjoyed by all.

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Randy