Once a sanctuary for Takelma Indians, today these cliff-edged mesas in the Upper Rogue are a haven for hikers and endangered wildflowers. Views from the cliffs extend across the Rogue River to the Siskiyous and the Cascades. Visit in spring to catch the best flower displays and to avoid summer’s merciless heat.
Nature at It’s Finest
Salmon Fishing
Those who fish the Rogue River know they have experienced an opportunity they won’t soon forget. Chinook, coho (silver salmon), summer and winter steelhead and trout are found in the Rogue. Depending upon the season, it is not beyond the realm of possibility to catch a salmon upwards of 65 pounds. Best opportunity is from the hatchery at Lost Creek to Gold Hill. Bank fishing is particularly good in the area around Trail and Casey State Park. Driftboats and guides can be used for much of the remainder of the Upper Rogue spring fishing. From the end of July through August, it is time to fish for summer steelhead. Wild fish cannot be kept. Only those with fins clipped, which indicate they are hatchery fish, can be kept. The Rogue River Guides Association lists 60 or so members and associate members. Businesses in Shady Cove and Trail can provide information on fishing, guides, and rafting.
Rogue River
Little Butte Creek flows into the world renowned Rogue River just five minutes from Eagle Point at Touvelle Park. The park is located on Table Rock Road, just north and down the hill from Antelope Road. The Rogue begins at Boundary Springs, near Crater Lake and ends some 215 miles later at the Pacific Ocean. The waters of the Rogue are cold and calm or breath-taking and challenging. Waterfalls of some 175 ft., to Class 4 kayaking water with some of the nation’s best salmon and steelhead fishing, make the Wild and Scenic Rogue River a must see.
Mount McLoughlin
Mount McLoughlin dominates the northeastern sky over the Upper Rogue. Mount McLoughlin has been known by a number of different names over the years, including Mount Pitt (after the Pit River), Big Butte, M’laiksini Yaina (Klamath Indians), Malsi (Takelma Indians), Mount Shasty (although this name was applied to Mount Shasta to the south by the 1841 Wilkes Expedition), and Snowy Butte. It’s the sixth highest Cascade peak in Oregon but relatively unknown. The Pacific Crest Trail skirts the eastern and northern sides and also accesses the only trail to the summit. On a clear day, the Sky Lakes Wilderness area, Crater Lake, Rogue Valley, and Mount Shasta are visible from the summit. This is the highest peak between Shasta and South Sister. To summit is an 11 mile round-trip hike, that is moderate to difficult, and recommended only during mid to late summer after snow has melted from the trail.
Little Butte Creek
Beautiful Little Butte Creek can be seen from many different locations around Eagle Point. Throughout Eagle Point you can find many areas along Butte Creek to enjoy the view of our creek, or have a picnic at Harnish Wayside Park or the Butte Creek Mill.
Lakes
Some of the area lakes include Agate Lake. It is a small lake. Motorboats are not allowed, but there is fishing. Fish Lake and Lake of the Woods are about 40 minutes from Eagle Point on Hwy. 140 (toward Klamath Falls.) They each have a restaurant, cabins, excellent fishing and camping. Water skiing and sailing is done at Lake of the Woods, and, of course, fishing is also very popular. Other area lakes include Willow Lake, outside of Butte Falls and Lost Creek Lake. Hiking is very popular at both of these sites in addition to fishing. At Lost Creek, water skiing is popular. To the south end of the Rogue Valley, is Emigrant Lake and Howard Prairie.
Hunting
Wild turkeys are rather abundant in the Upper Rogue and can be seen until hunting season. It is wise to watch out for deer, they can readily be seen along the river, crossing Highway 62 and even occasionally in the various Upper Rogue communities. Hunting quail, pheasant and ducks is also readily done during the appropriate season.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom. Kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge year round. Stop in the Steel Visitor Center to pick up the activity booklet and more information.
Boating
Eagle Point is considered the Gateway to the Lakes. Within an hour or less, one will find Agate Lake, Fish Lake and Lake of the Woods as well as Willow Lake and Lost Creek Lake. Camping, fishing, swimming and water skiing on the larger lakes are all enjoyable past-times. Lost Creek Lake, site of William B. Jess Dam, is located between Trail and Prospect. This photograph is taken at the Marina. Stewart State Park, McGregor Visitor Center and Cole M. Rivers Fish Hatchery are nearby attractions.
Bird Watching
Denman Wildlife Area Trail- between Tou Velle State Park and Little Butte Creek where it flows into the Rogue River. Just over one-half mile long loop. Despite its short distance, it offers a large variety of birds, deer, and at times, beavers, raccoons and muskrats can be seen. Can be reached by taking Antelope Road to Agate Road, turn right . Continue past the stop sign at Ave G (Fire District No. 3) and at the crest of the hill on the left is a small parking area and gate. Walk down the road to the trailhead. It can also be reached at Tou Velle Park.