Natural Bridge Trail

The Natural Bridge lava tube that takes the Rogue River underground is a quick, short, classic pull off on the way to Crater Lake. But, The Natural Bridge Trail is a 3 mile loop of magic.

Driving

– A 90 minute drive towards Crater Lake. Jump on Interstate 5 towards Medford. Jump off Interstate 5 in Medford on the Crater Lake/ Route 62 exit. Turn right and take the New Bypass around the businesses and turn left when that road dead ends into the old Route 62.
Now, stay on Route 62 through White City, Shady Cove, Trail, past Lost Creek Lake, past Prospect and into the tall pines until you see the brown Natural Bridge Recreation Area sign pointing you to the left. Turn there, pass the campground area, and dead end into the Natural Bridge parking area.

Parking

– Huge National Forest parking lot with RV pull-throughs, turn arounds, and pit toilets.

The Adventure

– From the parking lot there are informational signs and a paved path and fenced lookout platforms for the first 200 yards that help the average person view this natural phenomenon. It’s cool. And interesting. And… back in the car and on your way.
OR – you can continue upstream on a slightly strenuous trail for a mile or so and you will arrive at another spectacular gorge that you can walk right up to. And a cool little bridge bringing you back across the Rogue River. And you could head 2 miles upstream all the way to Union Creek or back downstream for a mile and a half past the super remote campground you saw on the way in. The river here is pretty calm so you can swim or fish or snorkel or whatever you want and then jump back on the trail and hike back to your car. If you have an extra hour, it is well worth spending here.