The guidebooks call it a moderate hike, but a lot of people describe it as pretty easy and well worth the effort. The scenery is spectacular, with great views of the Wild Rogue River plunging through a steep, rocky canyon and Rainie Falls at the end. Lots of wildlife, too. The hike is just under 2 miles each way, with an elevation gain of about 400 ft., but no steep hills. The entire trek, out and back, takes about 4 hours. The trail is in good condition overall, but gets narrow and rocky in places. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a leash.
At the end of the hike is Rainie Falls. These are low, block-style falls — more like big rapids than typical waterfalls. It’s a great place to stop and have a snack, fish, or watch the salmon and steelhead leaping the falls (October-November), or rafters and kayakers riding down them.
Where: Take Galice Rd. north from Merlin for 22 miles to Graves Creek Bridge. The trailhead is on the west side of the bridge. Or, from I-5 going north, take exit 76. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp and then right onto Old State Hwy 99, followed by a left on Front St. into the town of Wolf Creek. Follow Front St. past Main St. and bear left onto Lower Wolf Creek Rd. Follow it for about 15 miles (it changes name to Lower Graves Creek Rd. after about 5 1/2 miles) to Graves Creek Bridge. Park along the road. Warning: don’t park right next to the rock wall — falling rocks may land on your car!
More Info: BLM, 541-618-2200
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