Hanging Rock, Powers Oregon

This is about a four-mile out-and-back trail near Powers, Oregon. It is considered a moderate hike. It takes an average of 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Be warned that there is no cell service on this trail or the roads leading to the trailhead. Have your trail information downloaded, and directions loaded before departing for the hike. It would be best always to have a GPS or paper map when you venture on roads that won’t have cell service in case you get lost.

The road to get here can also be a challenge, and I would recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle.

The drive to the trailhead starts on a gravel logging road. When you make the right turn on another logging road, it becomes dirt and one-lane. During the spring months, this road can be very muddy. They say this is a popular hike, but I spent half the day there when I came and didn't see anyone. I loved the solitude. Here is the parking lot.

The trailhead from here is easy to spot. Hanging Rock is fully exposed to the elements, so check and know the weather forecast before going. You do not want to be out on the rock if it’s raining or icy because you risk slipping on slick rock. You also do not want to do this hike if there is a thunderstorm in the forecast because you will be exposing yourself to being struck by lightning.

To get to Hanging Rock, you will walk along the Panther Ridge Trail for about one and a half miles until you come across a junction for Hanging Rock Trail #1113. Take a left here, and after about half a mile, you'll reach the astounding Hanging Rock. You will see a marker on the tree directing you toward the hanging rock. The trail follows an old Native American travel corridor. Most of the trail follows Panther Ridge from Bald Knob to Buck Point. Approximately 95% of this trail is within the Wild Rogue Wilderness and is closed to motorized vehicles or equipment. 

The hike continues, and the expansive, jaw-dropping views will eventually blow you away. The higher you get, the more damage you can observe from the wind.

The further you go, the more views you have before you get to Hanging Rock.

If you love wildflowers like I do, this is also a great place to see them. Here are a couple of random pictures I took along the hike.

When you finally reach the top, the view is panoramic, with Hanging Rock being the most prominent feature. No matter what direction you face, the view is astounding.

If you can muster up the courage to look over the edge, you will see the winding Rogue River 3600 feet below you. You will also see the expansive Wild Rogue Wilderness and Eden Valley. Yes, it is a 3600-foot fall, so for the selfie people, keep that in mind.

This is Hanging Rock.

When you are done enjoying the scenery, you must leave on the trail you came in on. Enjoy the hike and the fresh air; hopefully, you will have total solitude like I did. It was nice to spend some time here meditating.

NOTE:

• This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy solitude during quieter times.

• Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

• As I mentioned earlier, download directions before you come.

• Bring water. There is none on the hike.

• Carry out what you carry in.

• This is Black Bear and Cougar territory.

• If you choose to do this hike at sunrise or sunset, bring a headlamp with a minimum of 400 lumens. Anything lower will not be enough to illuminate the trail correctly.

• Always let someone know where you are

Things to do in the area:

• Coquille River Falls Trail

• Big Tree Observation Site

• Elk Creek Falls Trail

• Mount Bolivar

• Wild Rogue Loop

• Azalea Lake

• Sucker Creek Trail