Crater Lake, Union Creek, and Prospect:
The Headwaters of the Rogue River
By the time the Rogue river reaches the Ocean
it has traveledover 300 hundred miles from its alpine beginning. Starting as
trickling snow melt at 8,000 foot high headwaters in the mountains around
Crater Lake the Rogue culiminates as a meandering river running over 5,000
cubic feet per second at its broad coastal mouth. Along the entire way, the
Rogue is poetry in motion.
The Crater Lake region is home to wildlife,
wilderness, and wonder. And, this region abounds with a history of Native
Americans, miners, adventurers, and vagabonds that rivals just about anyplace
in the U.S.
The Rogue river in this area is moody...one second peaceful
and meandering and the next a raging torrent striking its way through narrow
volcanic chasms. At one point, the entire river even disappears
underground!
For those visiting Crater Lake or others who are exploring
other parts of the Rogue or the Northwest, we highly recommend a tour through
this region. If for no other reason, we suggest the Crater Lake, Union Creek,
and Prospect area so that you can stop by Beckys Cafe for a piece of pie!
For more info on the Crater Lake/Union Creek/Prospect area please
see below:
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Prospect and Crater
Lake Lodging: Lodging in this area is limited but there are still
great choices. These range from cozy and rustic cabins in a thick Cascades
forest to super nice rooms at Crater Lake itself. Consider:
Prospect Historical Hotel: This
combination southern Oregon bed and
breakfast / hotel / restaurant is an historic gem. Among others, Teddy
Roosevelt and Jack London have stayed at the hotel, which first opened in the
late 1800's. If Oregon history and friendly towns intrigue you, we recommend a
visit!
Union Creek Resort: This is a
friendly and unique place located where historic Union Creek meets the upper
Rogue river. A nice affordable and rustic option for
Crater Lake lodging, this is an
unspoiled place that is convenient to great hiking and some amazing sights,
including the Natural Bridge, where the Rogue river disappears underground into
a lava tube, and the Rogue river gorge, where the Rogue powerfully twists down
a narrow slot canyon.
Crater
Lake Lodge: There are actually a couple of options for lodges at Crater
Lake National Park. These include the actual Lodge itself, a historic mansion
that sits right on the edge of Crater Lake itself and the Mazama Motor Lodge,
which located seven miles from the rim and is run by the same company. One is
grand, the other less grand but comfortable and convenient.
Crater Lake/Union Creek/Prostpect
Dining: Becky's Cafe (sorry, no website) is the choice, hands
down. Brace yourself for one of the best meals in the world...including pies
that you may never forget...all in historic Union Creek, which is located
between Prospect and Crater Lake on Hwy. 62.
In addition to Becky's you
may want to saunter into and waddle out of the Historic Prospect Hotel
Dinnerhouse for a good Crater Lake area
restaurant. You will saunter and then waddle as the result of eating way
too much of their tasty grub.
Crater
Lake Rafting: The closest river to Crater Lake for whitewater
rafting is the North Fork Umpqua. This is a fun, fun and beautiful river about
one hour from the Park. Ideal for family, first-time and veteran rafters alike.
Destination Wilderness offers one to three-day
Umpqua
river rafting trips with all gear provided. Just call 'em and show up with
fun and adventure in mind!
Crater Lake Fishing: There are no
guided fishing trips on the upper upper Rogue river near Crater Lake but you
are a short drive to the Shady Cove area where Rogue Excursions offers great
Oregon steelhead fishing and salmon
fishing day trips. Rainbow trout can be found and fished for on your own in the
Upper Rogue river area near Union Creek.
Hiking/Biking: There are numerous hiking and
biking opportunities in this area. One of the best hiking trails for all levels
of hikers is in Union Creek, along the Rogue river to the natural bridge and
beyond. Other great hikes are found all around Crater Lake. Please visit the
Rogue
River-Siskiyou National Forest page for more info on the Union Creek area
hikes and the Crater Lake National
Park service hiking webpage for other hikes.
| For info on a
specific Rogue river region click on the name above! For information on rafting
trips click on the link below! |
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