The Other Rogue River Gorge

When people speak of the Rogue River Gorge, they mean usually the Gorge at Union Creek.  The forestry service certainly thinks so, because they have maps and special ramps for vista points.  However, there is another Gorge, which crosses Mill Creek Drive just south of Prospect, that is equally exciting.  Years ago, this Gorge could be explored off of both sides of the road.  But, eventually,  land adjacent to the Gorge on the north side was sold to private owners, so visitors congregate in the inviting woods on the south side.  The bridge, though, remains, and still offers spectacular views of the Gorge and its canyon wall laced with boulders.  It is hard to believe that over 100 years ago, a covered bridge was all that prevented travelers from tumbling into the Gorge.  “Old-timers”  affirm that there were accidents.  But they also affirm the sense of awe travelers felt when crossing this tumultuous chasm.  The brief video below offers a view of the Gorge in 1958 when there was considerable water pouring down the drop.