This is an easy to moderate hike. It begins at the Mount Mazama viewpoint off Highway 230 and follows the Rogue River (5.4 miles roundtrip) to its headwaters at Boundary Springs. Our elevation gain was only 759 feet, so it is fairly flat. The headwaters consist of a beautiful, moss covered, crystal clear spring that rushes out of the hillside. In July, the logs are apparently covered in monkeyflowers; however, they had faded at the time we visited in mid October. The water source was formerly believed to be Crater Lake, but it has been determined that it is actually from rain and snowfall that percolates through the volcanic pumice and travels laterally toward the springs along a less permeable rock layer beneath.
Be aware that after about a mile into the hike, the trail intersects a Forest Service road. Turn right and head up the road for about 75 feet before turning left, back onto the Boundary Springs trail. Central Oregon Geographica provides a very nice map and trail summary. In 2015, the area was burned by the National Creek Complex Fire. However, there were signs of recovery with pine seedlings covering the landscape. Pines apparently do better than firs in hot fire-prone areas.
The hike is exciting in that it winds along the river, ultimately leading to its source. At the time, the pearly everlasting were releasing their seeds and leaves were beginning to turn fall colors.
As you travel upstream, the trail crosses the narrow river at two points. Eventually, you will encounter a section where it tumbles down a small double waterfall which is located a short distance downstream of the springs. This area is reportedly territory of the American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), a bird that forages in whitewater. It is also know to walk underwater!
Eventually, you will reach the intersection of the Boundary Springs Trail and Bald Crater Loop Trail. Continuing on the Boundary Springs route, the water tumbles through a marshy, log-covered channel on your left. The trail ends where the water pours from the hillside into a watercourse several feet wide. Physical disturbance of the plants in this sensitive location would be harmful due to the unique presence of water here in the summer months. Summer water is otherwise scarce in this area. The crystal clarity of the water is remarkable.
I think there is an even greater appreciation of this location if you are familiar with the Rogue River farther downstream. The river provides drinking water for over 200,000 people, recreation, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It is so important that it is protected. Since 2008, eight dams have been removed from the Rogue River and its tributaries including Gold Ray (2010), Savage Rapids (2009), Gold Hill (2008) on the main stem. The river now runs free for 157 miles from Lost Creek Lake to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. The last dam standing is the William L. Jess dam, constructed in 1977 for flood control, which impounds Lost Creek Lake.
