rogue river ranch

Rogue River Ranch at Mariel is Located 45 miles and two hours from 1-5 at Glendale, Oregon. Do not ask locals for directions most have never heard of it. You can also get to it by floating the Rogue for two days or hiking the trail for three days. Have a firm idea of direction before you go. I would not go in inclement or cold weather. I would not go there after the first rains. There are logging operation on the route. You will have to go for 10 to 15 miles with no verification that you are on the correct route. The last 12 miles are gravel and much of the road is single lane. BLM advises a full tank of gas, warm clothes and food in case you get lost which is highly likely. This is a beautiful site which the BLM bought from the previous owners in 1970 for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. They maintain it beautifully. I first visited the site in 1975 and this was my fourth visit. I got lost getting there due to extensive forest fire since my last visit. It is worth the drive. Leave early to get there and leave an hour or so before dark to come back.There is a primitive free campground at Tucker Flat which I have stayed at before. Watch for poison oak. It will cut a vacation short. The Rogue River trails goes through the area and some famous sites on the Rogue such as Blossom Bar, Mule Creek, and Coffee Pot are all within hiking distance. There is a lot to soak in here. Zane Gray wrote Rogue River Feud downstream a t Winkle Bar. There are remnants of mining and in the fall the Half Pounders (one year old Steelhead) migrate up the river. It is truly an enchanting place.