The Rogue National Wild and Scenic River has outstanding scenery, numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, challenging whitewater, and superior fishing. Much of the drive provides a view of the deep river canyon with impressive rock walls bordered by forested slopes. The remains of old mining operations, some still visible from the byway, offer glimpses into the past. The Rogue River National Recreation Trail , accessed from the byway at Grave Creek, is an historic trail originally developed by the Takelma Indians. Improvements to the trail were made by miners and settlers as they moved deeper into the Rogue River canyon.
Hikers can view the wild Rogue River from numerous vantage points along the trail.
If you plan on continuing your travel beyond this byway route be sure to have a full tank of gas, a first aid kit, food, and water with you as you will be traveling into remote country with no services. Roads beyond this byway route are often closed in winter, due to snow accumulation. Smullin Visitor Center at Rand is 18 miles into the route and can provide information about the area. Grants Pass, Merlin, and Galice are the nearest towns. The byway begins as you exit the freeway and travel the Merlin-Galice Road west.