Contact Us - Prospect Ranger District
![[Map]: Map showing the location of the Prospect Ranger District.](images/mapsprospect2.gif)
High Cascades Ranger District, Prospect Ranger Station
Kerwin Dewberry, District Ranger
47201 Highway 62
Prospect, Oregon 97536-9724
Voice: (541) 560-3400
FAX: (541) 560-3444
Detailed
Map of the District
The Prospect Ranger District of the Rogue River
National Forest invites you to explore the upper
Rogue River country. Located in the Cascade Mountains
, the District's 242,000 acres offer a variety of
natural features and recreational opportunities.
The District is bisected by the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic
Byway, and provides access to the Sky
Lakes and Rogue-Umpqua
Divide Wilderness areas, the Wild and Scenic Upper
Rogue River, and adjoins Crater
Lake National Park.
The Union Creek Historic District is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places for its rustic
structures built by Civilian Conservation Corps members
stationed in the area during the 1930's. Local travellers
information, permits, and information on current
resource management activities can be obtained at
the Prospect Ranger Station, located along Oregon
Highway 62 near milepost 45 adjacent to the community
of Prospect.
The scenery in the Upper Rogue region is spectacular!
From its headwaters at Boundary Springs, just inside
Crater Lake National Park, to its exit from the District
near the Ranger Station, the Upper Rogue River has
been designated a Wild and Scenic River. Sculpting
its path through the volcanic landscape created by
the Cascade Range and the eruption of Mt. Mazama,
the landscape offers examples of nearly vertical
incised pumice canyons, remnant cores of an ancient
volcano now known as Rabbit Ears, and a lava tube
arching across the entire Rogue River at Natural
Bridge. Waterfalls are abundant on the District,
with easy access from the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
to trailheads leading to National Creek Falls and
Muir Creek Falls. The 48 mile long Upper Rogue National
Recreation Trail generally follows the river along
its course through the District, and can be accessed
at several locations. This trail is particularly
wondrous in the fall as the brilliant reds and golds
of vine maple, dogwood and alder contrast with the
green of the conifers.
Two interpretive sites located near Union Creek
share a glimpse of the geologic history of the area.
At Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge, short interpretive
trails provide access to view the unique geology
and hydrology of the river as it carves its way through
a 20 foot wide chasm at Rogue Gorge, and actually
disappears into a lava tube at Natural Bridge. Both
of these sites are handicapped accessible, and the
short, paved trails provide easy walking for people
of all ages.
Camping opportunities on the Prospect Ranger District
run the gamut from dispersed wilderness experiences
found in the Sky Lakes and Rogue Umpqua Divide wilderness
areas to the Farewell Bend Campground offering a
campground host, space for large trailers and RVs,
flush toilets and running water. Other developed
campgrounds include Mill Creek, River Bridge, Abbott
Creek, Huckleberry Mountain, Natural Bridge, Union
Creek, and Hamaker. No shower or hook-up facilities
are available at any of the campgrounds on the District,
and fees vary depending on services provided. The
season for most of our campgrounds falls between
Memorial Day and Labor Day, with a few extending
into the fall. Campsites are available on a first
come, first served basis only.
Prospect Ranger District maintains over 100 miles
of Hiking trails. Most of the trails either follow
the Rogue River itself, or traverse the high Rogue-Umpqua
Divide. Elevations range from 2,500 to 4,000 feet
along the river, and from 4,000 to near 6,000 feet
along the Divide. Snow usually covers the higher
elevation trails until June or July, and then you
can expect to be greeted by a very hungry mosquito
population until mid-August. Some trails receive
limited maintenance, so it is a good idea to check
at the Ranger Station for information pertaining
to your route. The Rogue River National Forest participates
in the Northwest Forest Pass program. To view a list
of trailheads that require a pass, please visit our
trails page.
OHV enthusiasts can enjoy a system of 200 miles
of designated trails and shared use roads. The trail
system is generally open from the first of July through
mid-October.
The system provides opportunities for motorcycle,
quad, and jeep operators. Maps and information on
the trail system are available at the Ranger Station.
Anglers can cast their luck into the Rogue River
and tributaries for native and stocked rainbow trout
throughout the general fishing season. Hunters arrive
on the District in the fall for their chance at deer
and elk. Huckleberry picking has had a long history
in the area, from subsistence efforts of Native Americans,
to the turn of the century camps frequented by entire
families from the Rogue Valley. Today's huckleberry
pickers find the areas surrounding Huckleberry Mountain
Campground and Abbott Butte to be prime locations
to spend their late summer days. Information on peak
time and availability can be obtained at the Ranger
Station.
Winter recreationists also have a multitude of opportunities
on the Prospect District. The Farewell Bend Snow
Play area, located near Union Creek offers a terrific
sledding/tubing hill, as well as access to several
cross country skiing trails. Speaking of cross country
skiing, the District maintains 35 miles of Nordic
trail. Additionally, there are 103 miles of marked
snowmobile trails, with access located at 1,000 Springs
Sno-Park and the West Diamond Lake Sno-Park. An Oregon
Sno-Park permit is required to park at winter recreation
sites.
Services in the Prospect area include gasoline,
lodging, food, laundry, and supplies, with lodging,
food and supplies available at Union Creek. Prospect
is located just off Hwy. 62 forty three miles from
Medford, and thirty eight miles from Crater Lake.
This rural, unincorporated community comes together
to sponsor an annual Bluegrass Festival in June,
and Jamboree and Timber Carnival in August. Just
outside the community you'll find the spectacular
Mill Creek Falls plunging 270 feet into the Rogue
River below.
For further information about the Prospect Ranger
District please drop in, write, or call. Our business
hours are 8:00 to 4:30 M-F.
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