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Rogue River Views
January 2011
Grants Pass, Oregon |
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Rogue River Views
January 2011
Grants Pass, Oregon |
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The Rogue River winds its way through Grants Pass on its way to the ocean. These shots were taken throughout the year from various parks along its banks, and include some of the wildlife that makes the river its home! |
Reinhart Volunteer Park (formerly All Sports Park)
One of the best river viewing places is Reinhart Volunteer Park, along the north bank of the river. Margarita and I spend many hours walking the footpaths there. It has a pedestrian bridge which connects to Tussing Park on the other side.
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Reinhart Volunteer Park was built in an area where small ponds formed after the removal of topsoil for highway landscaping projects in the1960's. The land was later purchased by the city and Josephine County, and was developed by volunteers into an All Sports Park with wetlands. It has 3 ponds connected by small footbridges. The ducks and geese are right at home!
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So are the deer. One day we spotted a Blacktail Deer on the far side of the river...
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Riverside Park
Riverside Park is another popular park in the middle of town. It is a gathering place for birds and also has some nice views:
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Tom Pearce Park
A few miles outside of town is Tom Pearce Park. It offers great views of the mountains and has a rapid, also known as a "riffle" (see the choppy water). These were taken late on a fall day, but we caught a few rays of sunshine -- and some colors:
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Pierce Riffle Park
Farther upriver is Pierce Riffle Park, named for its raging riffle!
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It boasts a nature trail with a neat pond:
Caveman Bridge
Some of the best river views are seen from the bridges. This shot was taken from Caveman Bridge, looking downstream
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Built in 1931, Caveman Bridge is known for its distinctive half-arch design, one of only 4 half-arch bridges in Oregon:
More bridge shots:
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Boating by the bridge!
Schroeder Park
The park closest to where we live is Schroeder Park. It also provides some great views!
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Great Blue Heron
One day at Schroeder Park we saw a great blue heron on the far side of the river:
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He flapped around in the water:
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Then he spotted us!
He headed back up the river...but we met him again later:
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Final Shots: High Water
Winter rains and snow cause the river to swell. Here are a few shots taken in January 2011:
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May all your days be blessed with nature!
