Woodruff Bridge to Knob Falls + Flounce Rock
On a day when it looked like we’d finally lost our “hiker’s luck” with the weather, some quick changes made for “a Perfect day for visiting the falls and Flounce” Rock. Eight of us gathered at the intersection of Ulrich Road and Highway 62 about 3 miles past Lost Creek Lake.
The skies were threatening and the low clouds would have obstructed our views up on Flounce Rock. So we decided to continue up 62 to check first Pearsony Falls which was still closed due to a tree thinning project, then onto Woodruff Bridge for a hike up the Upper Rogue to Knob Falls.
As we pulled into parking by the bridge, the skies opened and hail poured down for about 3 minutes. After that, Sunny’s red poncho seemed to tame the threat. We reached Knob Falls in time for lunch and saw the power of the river when squeezed into a narrow channel. During our time at the falls we noticed the return of the American Dipper to it’s perch and nest on the cliff face across the river from our lunch spot.
On the Rogue River Trail we saw Western Trillium both purple and white, and the small but brilliant Calypso Orchids.
By the time we returned to Ulrich Road for our ascent up to Flounce Rock the low clouds had lifted. We drove up Ulrich for about 2 1/2 miles to a left on Flounce Rock Road for another 2 1/2 miles.
Now the group was in new territory for views not seen before. We parked just past the entrance to the Baker Cypress Grove where we saw rare trees “born of fire” growing in the northernmost spot in the western US. After a walk around the Grove we hiked up the road to the top of Flounce Rock.
The road, originally for logging, now provides access to radio and internet towers up at 4,100’+. It also provides great views down at Lost Creek Lake and the surrounding area.
An unexpected surprise was discovering a pet cemetery off the road behind the towers.
And walking out and down the Rock face we found many wildflowers as well as memorials for a son lost during the Vietnam War and for his mother.
It was a memorable day for all who joined us.
Hike Leader: Rich Stickle
Photos By: Linda, Randy
