Scenic Drives USA

Grave Creek to Marial is in southwest Oregon about 28 miles northwest of Grants Pass. The byway can be reached from the Cow Creek scenic byway or the Galice – Hellgate byway. It begins at Grave Creek and travels northwest to the road’s end in Marial. The 33-mile route follows Mount Reuben (BLM 34-8-1), Kelsey Mule, and Marial Roads, which are a combination of single-lane paved and gravel roads suitable for passenger cars. Motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers should not attempt the byway. All the roads are closed in winter.

This byway is an excellent extension of the Galice – Hellgate byway. The route climbs out of the Rogue River Canyon and winds through the beautiful mountains before descending back to the river and Rogue River Ranch. Spectacular views of the wild river are found along the byway. Wildlife observers will want to look for elk, deer, and wild turkeys. Black bears also inhabit the area.

Near the beginning of this byway is a hiking trail that takes you to the scenic Rainie Falls. Also nearby is the trailhead to the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Hikers and backpackers can take the trail along the banks of the river from Grave Creek to Marial, a distance of 24 miles. The trail continues south from Marial for an additional 16 miles to Illahe, crossing the Siskiyou National Forest.

Historic Rogue River Ranch lies at the end of the byway. It has a history dating back to the late 1800s when all that existed was a one-room “sugar pine shake” cabin. In the years that followed, the pioneer Billings family added more buildings including a barn and a trading post. The ranch was sold to the Bureau of Land Management in 1970 and now operates a museum depicting the ranch’s history.

Camping is available at the Tucker Flat Campground, which offers ten sites. Be prepared to bring your own water or draw from Mule Creek. Be sure to purify the water from the creek before consuming.

Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive is in west-central Oregon about 40 miles east of Eugene. It begins just east of Blue River and travels south to Westfir. The byway is 65 miles long and follows FSR 19, which is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Travelers can pick up an audio cassette tape of the tour from ranger stations in Blue River or Oakridge. The tape is free and is returned when you complete the drive. Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive is generally open April through October.

Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive is named in honor of a man who devoted 24 years of his life to forestry. Robert Aufderheide was the Supervisor of Willamette National Forest from 1954 until his death in 1959.

The byway travels through a mixed conifer and hardwood forest alongside the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, a long name but a scenic river. This river is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System and provides good opportunities for catching rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Those interested in hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding will find a lot of trails along the byway. There’s the Waldo Wilderness Trail that takes you into Waldo Wilderness. Another trail is called the Grasshopper Trail and takes you through the Chucksney Roadless Area, not a designated wilderness but offers seclusion just the same. There is a self-guided trail in the area of Constitution Grove that will guide you among a grove of trees over 200 years old.

Travelers of the byway could easily spend a week or longer here. The national forest has developed numerous campgrounds with hundreds of campsites to choose from. Most of the campgrounds are situated on the banks of pretty meandering rivers and streams. Plan on finding a spot and staying awhile.