I was looking for something flat as a Grand Canyon 6x R2R2R recovery run this weekend, so I went for an unsupported 80mi out-and-back FKT of the Rogue River trail. It's unclear why, but somehow I had this vision in my mind that this trail would be a bit like the Lower Deschutes River trail. I can now say with confidence that it is not flat. I logged 9,088ft for the out-and-back!
Because overnight parking is not allowed at the Grave Creek trailead (Eastern terminus), I started at the Foster Bar trailhead (Western terminus). Going "up" first also sounded like a better idea. In reality, the elevation gain from all the hills is a lot more significant than the elevation difference between the trailheads (~600ft only).
Looking at previous FKTs on this trail, and considering my advanced age, I thought I could perhaps get the out-and-back done in 18-20h. Well, I was far off with my estimate. It took me a whopping 24:46:56! I clocked 11:24 at the halfway/turnaround point, but I figured I might be faster on the way back because of a lighter pack and the net downhill. No so, quite the opposite.
The all-night rain, the nonstop poison oak dodging, and the heavy pack with calories, layers, rain gear, and mayo for 80mi were not conducive to a fast time. Or maybe I wasn't quite recovered from the Grand Canyon yet. Or maybe I'm just too old for this stuff.
Anyway, embarrassing time or not, it is what it is. This will be a low-hanging poison oak for anybody who feels inclined to tackle this lofty challenge.
Otherwise...the fall colors were great and I saw only one person. The young fellow with a massive pack did the 40mi trail in 6 days. I felt somewhat envious. I think I will go for a packrafting adventure sometime in the near future. That sounds more fun than an out-and-back...