Overview

• Location: Josephine County, Rogue River Wild and Scenic River (near Galice)

• Waterfall Type: Cascade

• Height: ~20 feet (6 m)

• Trail Distance: ~14 miles round-trip from Grave Creek Trailhead via Rogue River National Recreation Trail

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall; most accessible April–October

History & Background

Lower Black Bar Falls is a cascade on the Rogue River in Josephine County, encountered deep within the Wild Rogue Wilderness on the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. At approximately 7 miles from the Grave Creek Trailhead (or accessible from the other direction at about 33 miles from Foster Bar), it lies in the heart of one of the most remote and spectacular river canyons in the lower 48 states. The Wild Rogue Wilderness encompasses 36,000 acres of roadless canyon country that can only be reached by trail or river. The falls are adjacent to the historic Black Bar Lodge, one of several remote fly-fishing lodges along the Rogue River Trail accessible only by trail, river, or small plane. The Rogue River and its canyon have been inhabited and used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and the lower canyon’s National Wild and Scenic River designation (1968) protects its wild character.

Geology

Lower Black Bar Falls cascades over the ancient Klamath Mountains metamorphic and volcanic rocks at approximately 527 feet elevation in the Wild Rogue canyon. The Rogue River has carved one of Oregon’s most dramatic gorges through these extremely old and resistant rocks — some of the oldest geological terranes on the North American West Coast. The rapids and falls of the Wild Rogue reflect the river’s continuous battle with this resistant bedrock, pushing through and over ledges that have withstood millions of years of erosion. The dramatic canyon walls, deep pools, and white water create an extraordinary wilderness river experience.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Galice, OR (~7 miles north of Grave Creek Trailhead); Grants Pass, OR (~30 miles east)

• Trail Information:

  • From Grave Creek Trailhead, hike approximately 7 miles downstream on the Rogue River National Recreation Trail; the falls are encountered near Black Bar Lodge in the Wild Rogue Wilderness

  • The trail is rated Difficult due to remote terrain, rocky first 5 miles, cliff exposure, and distance; the falls can also be approached from Foster Bar (33 miles) or by river with raft support; overnight camping required for most visitors

• Parking:

  • Grave Creek Boat Ramp area; overnight parking not recommended at the boat ramp due to hazards — Almeda Campground has fee overnight parking

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; long, remote, rocky trail

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best hiking weather; spring wildflowers along the canyon cliffs; spring Chinook salmon visible

• Summer: Hot canyon; carry extra water; river rafting season; rattlesnakes; full Wild Rogue permits required for rafters

• Fall: Excellent hiking temperatures; fall steelhead; fewer hikers; beautiful canyon light

• Winter: High flows; trail generally hikeable in mild Josephine winters; check conditions

Nearby Attractions

• Black Bar Lodge (remote river lodge)

• Rainie Falls (~1.7 miles from Grave Creek)

• Whiskey Creek cabin (~3.2 miles)

• Wild Rogue Wilderness

• Galice Resort

References

• Links:

  • BLM – Rogue River National Recreation Trail

  • Travel Oregon – Wild Rogue Wilderness

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest