Travel Oregon

Upper Rogue Tour

This 80-mile journey takes you from Medford through the Rogue Valley’s scenic Highway 62.

  • Distance:  80 miles (Although the journey from Medford to Crater Lake is only about 1 1/2 hours without stopping, allow a full day for this unforgettable trip).
  • Starting Point:  Medford
  • Minimum Driving Time:  1 day
  • Best Time to Drive: 

1. Butte Creek Mill

At the Butte Creek Mill in Eagle Point you'll find the only stream powered stone grist mill operating west of the Mississippi. Enjoy the free self-guided tour of this rare piece of American Heritage, then visit the Oregon General Store Museum and gift shop


2. Crater Lake

As you continue up highway 62 to Crater Lake, Oregon’s only National Park and the deepest lake in North America, you pass along and over the Rogue River in Shady Cove, the heart of the Upper Rogue Region. See Lost Creek Dam and tour Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery, where you can actually feed the Salmon and Steelhead.

The jewel of this trip is Crater Lake National Park, considered by many to be the most spectacular lake in the world. View an interpretive film at the Will Steel visitor Center, then continue to Rim Village where you'll see the lake for the first time. Here also are dining, gifts, services (NO gasoline so fill up before you get to the park), and the magnificently restored Crater Lake Lodge. Boat tours from Cleetwood cove are the only way to get on the water, and a truly amazing view from within the caldera.


3. Prospect to Rogue Gorge

Take the short side trip to Prospect where you'll find the magnificent "Mill Creek Falls" a short drive and easy hike from the Historic Prospect Hotel, an early Oregon stage stop restored to a beautiful Bed and Breakfast inn.

Continue the Rogue Gorge (parking area to left of highway). Here you have easy access to a plunging deep water chasm with several superb overlooks.


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