This hike (and the view it offers) is well worth the drive time to get to the trail head. Hanging Rock, in the Wild Rogue River Wilderness is perched at 3500 ft overlooking the Rogue River canyon and the rapids below. Don Luce and David Gray will lead this hike. The Panther Ridge trail winds along this high ridge under magnificent stands of old growth timber with rhododendron and scrub oak and nest of bear grass. Hikers can either hike the easy to moderate 1.9 mile round trip to Hanging Rock and back or they can extend their hike along the Panther Ridge trail to Clay Hill for a 5.5 mile total hike – rated difficult. Shuttle set up required. Hikers can finish the day with optional trips to Coquille Falls (1 mile moderate) and Elk Creek Falls (.25 miles easy), which are both on our way back toward Powers. Bring at least 1 liter of water if you are taking the short hike and at least 2 if you plan on taking the longer hike. Pack a lunch. Boots and walking sticks are recommended.
