Rogue–Umpqua Divide Wilderness

The Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness is a mountainous protected area in southwestern Oregon covered by dense conifer forests with scattered meadows and rocky ridgelines at higher elevations. The landscape features rushing streams, steep valleys, and exposed peaks that create a rugged and isolated environment throughout the seasons.

Congress designated this area as protected wilderness in 1984, securing its status within the federal conservation system. The remote location ensured the landscape remained largely undisturbed prior to official protection measures.

Native American tribes established strong connections to this land, utilizing its natural resources and waterways for sustenance through generations.

The area features around 100 miles of marked trails suitable for hikers of different abilities. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions for visiting, as snow melts from higher elevations and paths become more passable.

The main trail follows a ridge that divides two river systems, creating distinct ecosystems on either side of the crest. This geographical positioning allows visitors to experience two different natural zones within a single journey through the wilderness.