| Hamaker Campground to Foster Creek Trail is a ten mile trail that follows this meandering section of the upper Rogue River as it winds through marshy meadows and carves channels in buff-colored pumice. This section of the river trail begins on Forest road #900, across from Hamaker Campground. The trail heads away from the river through a stand of white fir and western white pine. It joins the river 2 miles later near the confluence of Muir Creek and the Rogue. The trail continues south through grassy meadows with alder thickets and huckleberry bushes bordering the marshy river channel. After crossing Hurryon Creek, the grade fluctuates as the trail crosses a series of pumice banks before reaching the riverbank again near Highway Falls. The river pours over a short section of rapids, then turns sharply south to parallel Highway 230. Beyond Highway Falls, the trail climbs to the top of a pumice cliff and offers a dramatic view of the river, finding its way through a maze of logjams far below. The trail descends with a series of switchbacks to the riverbank, following it closely through a secluded stand of mature forest. After crossing National Creek on a footlog, the trail climbs to Forest road #6530, crosses the river on the road bridge embankment to continue south along the west bank. The last 0.5 mile of trail climbs along the pumice roadcut overlooking the highway and drops through a series of switchbacks to the Foster Creek trailhead. This trail is at 5200 feet and is considered to be moderately difficult. |
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