South Fork Rogue River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Fork Rogue River |
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 Location of the mouth of the South Fork Rogue River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Klamath and Jackson |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range South Blue Lake Group, Klamath County, Oregon 5,619 ft (1,713 m) 42°31′11″N 122°16′29″W / 42.51972°N 122.27472°W |
| River mouth | Rogue River downstream of Prospect, Jackson County, Oregon 1,877 ft (572 m) 42°42′41″N 122°32′48″W / 42.71139°N 122.54667°W |
| Length | 25 mi (40 km) |
The South Fork Rogue River is a 25-mile (40 km) long river in Oregon, United States. It is a smaller river that flows into the larger Rogue River. This river starts high up in the Cascade Range, in a special natural area called the Sky Lakes Wilderness. It generally flows towards the northeast. The river eventually joins the Rogue River near the town of Prospect. It also flows close to Lost Creek Lake.
The River's Journey
The South Fork Rogue River begins in Klamath County. Its source is in the Sky Lakes Wilderness, which is part of the Cascade Mountains. From Horseshoe Lake, it flows north for about 4 miles (6 km). Then, it turns northeast and enters Jackson County. At this point, it leaves the wilderness area and flows into the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest.
Over the next 5 miles (8 km), the river passes under Forest Road 37 at Upper South Fork Bridge. It also flows by the Upper South Fork Campground. Several smaller streams, called creeks, join the river here. These include Parker Creek, Little Billie Creek, Wickiup Creek, and Sam Creek. Further downstream, Big Ben Creek also flows into the river.
The river then goes under another bridge, the Lower South Fork Bridge, which also carries Forest Road 37. The South Fork Campground is located nearby. After this bridge, Nichols Creek and Green Creek join the river. Lodgepole Creek also flows into it. Imnaha Creek enters the river just above a structure called a diversion dam.
Below the dam, the South Fork turns west. It flows past a special measuring station that tracks the river's flow. About 6 miles (10 km) from where it meets the Rogue River, Buck Creek joins the South Fork. Soon after, the Middle Fork Rogue River also flows into it.
About 2 miles (3 km) further downstream, Beaver Dam Creek enters the river. Smith Creek joins about 1 mile (1.6 km) later. Finally, the South Fork Rogue River meets the main part of the Rogue River. This meeting point is near the beginning of Lost Creek Lake.
Fun Things to Do
The South Fork Rogue River is a great place for outdoor activities.
- Fishing: The upper parts of the river are good for fishing. You can find different types of trout here. These include wild rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, and brook trout.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds located near or along the river. These include campgrounds at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area, Imnaha, South Fork, Parker Meadows, and Upper South Fork.
- Hiking: If you like to walk, there are several hiking trails.
- The Upper South Fork Trail 986 is a 5.1-mile (8.2 km) trail. It goes through the South Fork Canyon near the river's start.
- The Middle South Fork Trail is an easy 6.3-mile (10.1 km) trail. It connects the upper and lower South Fork bridges.
- The Lower South Fork Trail is an easy 5.3-mile (8.5 km) trail. It runs between the Lower South Fork Bridge and Imnaha Creek.
- Whitewater Boating: For very experienced adventurers, whitewater boating is possible. The Middle Fork Rogue River and the South Fork (after it joins the Middle Fork) have very difficult rapids. These are rated as Class 5, which is the highest level of difficulty. This means the water is extremely challenging and only for experts. Sometimes, the narrow canyon where these rivers flow can be blocked by log jams. This makes it even harder to pass. This part of the river is very challenging and requires careful planning and expert skills. Below this difficult section, the South Fork becomes easier, with Class 3 rapids, until it reaches the Rogue River.
