Denman Interpretive Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · River/Creek · Swimming · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The wildlife area is open to waterfowl hunting during certain times of the year (mainly September-November), so it is advisable to wear some hunter orange colored clothing at those times. You can access this trail from unpaved TouVelle Road but the description here assumes you start from the back parking lot at the TouVelle State Recreation Site. This site requires a $5 daily use fee but offers paved parking, toilets, and picnic tables along the Rogue River. This trail has little signage but is relatively easy to follow.

This route combines parts of the TouVelle Nature Trail (inside the state recreation site) with the Denman Interpretative Trail (within the wildlife area).

From the recreation site's back parking lot, follow the nature trail along the Rogue River for 0.25 miles to the boundary between the recreation site and the wildlife area. There is a sign here indicating that the Denman Wildlife Area lies ahead. From here, the nature trail goes right (south) and loops back to the parking lot. The Denman Interpretive Trail starts here and continues northeast for another 0.25 miles to TouVelle Road.

When you reach TouVelle Road, turn right (southeast) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the continuation of the interpretative trail on the right (south) as a singletrack trail. There is a sign here that says "Denman Trail." The trail will take you southwest past a pond in Military Slough ( a remnant from when this area was an army training camp during WW2), then up on to the edge of the Agate Desert. This is not actually a desert but a usually place that hosts unique vernal pool ecosystems in the Spring.

The interpretive trail then leaves the desert and descends into an oak savanna where it junctions with the nature trail. You have the option here of (1) going left (west) on the nature trail through a canopy of oaks for 0.2 miles back to the parking lot or (2) going right (north) on the nature trail through a marsh to the Rogue River. Turn left (west) at the river to return to the parking lot.

The Denman Interpretive Trail a short loop but between the river, birds, wildflowers, vernal pools, and oak forests, there's always something new and different to see throughout the year.

There are other old roads and singletrack trails within the wildlife area north of TouVelle Road, south of Little Butte Creek, and west of Agate Road. There is no official map for these paths, but they do appear as solid and dotted white lines on the terrain map. They are generally easy to find and follow on the ground but can get a little confusing when they mix with fishing paths near Little Butte Creek.

This trail loops through six ecosystems representative of those found throughout the Rogue Valley: pond, chaparral, Agate Desert vernal pool, oak savanna, marsh and the Rogue River. Ticks and poison oak are also found here in the warmer months. Long sleeves and long pants will offer some protection if you decide to go off-trail. Try to avoid brushing against vegetation and check yourself for ticks after your hike.