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. It’s an easy trail that should be on everyones Oregon hiking list. It is a little hidden gem and usually a quiet trail. Learn when to go, road conditions and more!

This post contains affiliate links, which can earn me a commission should you click a link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

Table of Contents

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.

Before You Go

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in existing campsites rather than over vegetation.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind because they shouldn’t be disposed of on trail. Bring a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly bury it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail because they are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them.

Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plants off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never write or carve into rocks. It is illegal and highly finable. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states.

Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away.

Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum of 100 yards for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them because our food is harmful to their digestive system.

Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under eight. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

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 Information

Distance: 2.2 miles

Elevation: 383.9 feet

Trail: Out and back

Difficulty: Easy

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.

Happy Hiking,

Elizabeth