Rogue – Coquille is in southwest Oregon approximately 25 miles southeast of Coos Bay. It is 83 miles long and follows OR 242, CR 219, CR 595, and FSR 33. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles and are usually open all year.
Rogue – Coquille National Forest Scenic Byway travels alongside the Wild and Scenic Rogue River between Gold Beach and Agness, then leaves the river to climb over the gentle divide and descend into the Coquille River Basin. Here the byway begins to follow the course dictated by the Coquille River through a narrow canyon rimmed with high cliffs. The river canyon eventually gives way to the wide open valley near Powers to the byway’s northern end. Rogue River was one of eight rivers initially included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and is popular with anglers, river rafters, and photographers.
There are numerous pullouts along the byway that provide beautiful panoramic vistas of the forest’s rivers and surrounding mountains. These places are always good spots for enjoying a picnic, taking photos, or looking for wildlife. Siskiyou National Forest supports a variety of wildlife including deer, bobcats, mountain lions, bald eagles, and river otters. You’ll also find hiking trails at some turnouts that invite you to explore the forest. There are some short hiking trails that reward you with a cascading waterfall.
There are several national forest campgrounds along the byway that provide the perfect spot for an overnight stay. To the west of the byway are state parks with hundreds of developed campsites.
Near the byway’s southern terminus is Battle Rock, located at the mouth of Lobster Creek. This was the site of a bloody battle between settlers and Native Americans living in the Rogue River corridor in the 1800s. Nearly all the Indians involved in the battle lost their lives.