Hanging Rock: Ultimate guide to Southern Oregon’s Best Viewpoint

Hanging Rock is a large boulder located off of Panther Ridge. It is without a doubt one of the most mazing viewpoints in southern Oregon.

Things To Know About Hanging Rock

There is no cell service on this trail or the roads leading to the trailhead. Have your trail information downloaded and directions loaded prior to departing for the hike. You should always have a GPS or paper map when you venture on roads that won’t have cell service in case you get lost.

There is no water on this trail, so bring plenty of water for each person and have extra water in the car for after the hike in case you run out.

Hanging Rock is fully exposed to the elements, so be sure to check and know the weather forecast prior to going. You do not want to be out on the rock if it’s raining or icy because you run the risk of 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.

Know what wildlife you may encounter on trail. This area has black bear and cougars. Research what to do if you should come into contact with one and always make noise on trial to prevent spooking them. Carry bear spray if you can.

Hanging Rock Location

This hike is located outside or Powers, Oregon in Southern Oregon. It is located in the wild Rogue Wilderness off Forest Service Road 5520-140. The road in is a gravel forest service road but can be access in a low clearance car if you drive carefully and slowly.

Best Time of Year to Hike to Hanging Rock

The best time of year for this hike is March-October due to it’s high elevation and winter snowfall. The trailhead may difficult to access even in early Spring depending on the snowfall. In summer months you may see wildflowers on the trail and clearer days to enjoy the sweeping views.

Hanging Rock Trail Info

The trail is a relatively easy, gradual elevation gain. The trail begins on the Hanging Rock Trail for .3 miles before it joins with the Panther Creek Trail for another .3 miles. After .6 miles on the two trails you will leave the Panther Ridge Trail and head to the right for another .3 miles to Hanging Rock. The trail is a peaceful forest hike until you reach the ridge where Hanging Rock is.

You can climb up to the top of hanging rock and enjoy the sweeping views of the Rogue-River Siskiyou Forest and the Wild Rogue Wilderness below. It is a perfect spot for lunch or even a sunset hike. You can explore around Hanging Rock as well and if you have time on your way back take the Panther Ridge Trail as far as you can before heading back to the car.

What to Bring

A downloaded map or a paper map to help you navigate the roads and find the trailhead without cell service.

A backpack for each person hiking with a water bottle or bladder so everyone has plenty of water for themselves. Be sure to carry snacks to keep you nourished on the long drive and hike. It’s the perfect trail to sit and enjoy a meal at the end.

Proper trail shoes like hiking boots or trail runners. These will give you better traction on the rock if you choose to climb it over tennis shoes.

If you choose to do this hike for sunrise or sunset, be sure to bring a head lamp with a minimum of 400 lumins. Anything lower will not be enough to properly illuminate the trail.

To learn more about what I hike with go here to see my must-have gear, trail clothes and more!

Reminders

• Always practice Leave No Trace, especially in fragile mountain terrain. Pack out all your trash, stay on trail to minimize your footprint and properly burry or carry out all human waste.

• There is no cell service out here so know where you’re going and have maps and directions downloaded ahead of time.

• Water, water, water! It‘a so important to have an appropriate amount if water. You should consume a liter for every 2 hours of hiking. A small water bottle or a shared water supply will not be enough. If you have one, bring a water filter to resupply.

• There are black bears in the area so know what to do if you encounter one. Make plenty of noise on trail so you don’t spook them and carry bear spray if you can. Don’t leave food out and take your trash with you.

For other amazing Oregon viewpoint hikes, be sure to check out my “5 Must-Hike Central Oregon viewpoints” guide.

The trail is a bit of a drive out there but it’s definitely worth the views. Because it’s not as easy to access as other trails in Oregon, it’s not very crowded and if you’re lucky you may even get it to yourselves! I love quieter trails because they are far and few between these days, so finding true solitude in nature is priceless.

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