Oregon · Hiking

Golden Stairs Trail

2.3 mi
round trip
1,598 ft
climb
5,039 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Golden Stairs Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in High Cascades Ranger District. It doesn't name Golden Stairs Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · High Cascades Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Golden Stairs Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back hike in Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests, within the High Cascades Ranger District. It's a moderate route with a total elevation gain of 1,598 feet, rising from about 4,120 feet to a high point of 5,039 feet. The trail is managed by the Forest Service. The steepest stretch comes early, with a 25% grade around the half-mile mark. That makes the first part of the climb the most demanding, and the whole trip takes about 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 69°F with only about four wet days a month, while winter brings highs in the low 30s and rain on most days. Abbott Creek, a canoeing spot, lies about 1.4 miles away. Natural Bridge Campground is 2.3 miles off, and Union Creek Campground is 2.8 miles away. For a longer outing, Rabbit Ears (Rogue) is a climbing area about 7.4 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Golden Stairs Trail

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      33° / 20°

      18 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 20°

      18 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 23°

      16 wet

    5. May

      49° / 29°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      57° / 34°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      69° / 41°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 42°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      63° / 37°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 30°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 23°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      33° / 19°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Crater Lake Nps Hq, OR, 18.8 mi away at 6,485 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions (Forest-wide)

      Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests · Order dated September 4, 2026; seen Sep 3, 2026 → lifted Oct 28, 2026 · Forest Service

    • Stage 3 Public Use Fire Restrictions (Forest-wide)

      Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests · Order dated July 17, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Sep 3, 2026 · Forest Service

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