Raft Adventure on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, Oregon

The Trip

Combining stunning beauty, exciting whitewater, wildlife, and sunny Oregon weather, this adventure on one of the West's finest rivers is suitable for novices through seasoned rafters, as well as families with children age seven and older. Experience the thrill of whitewater while running through well-known rapids, such as Rainy Falls, Blossom Bar, and the narrow Mule Creek Canyon. The mists will melt away while we watch herons, osprey, and mergansers fishing during our peaceful morning floats.

The Rogue River flows through the forested Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. Famous for salmon fishing, our trip takes place along the 40-mile, federally designated Wild and Scenic section, which is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, river otters, deer, osprey, great blue herons, and bald eagles. The river corridor is rich in history. A short walk will take us to see author Zane Grey’s cabin, which he built in 1926 and used as a summer retreat until 1935. We'll also take a stop to visit the Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site. Once a Native American site, with evidence of 9,000 years of habitation, it later became a pioneer homestead that evolved into a gold-mining community in the 1880s. Along the way we’ll stop to explore fern grottos, splash in waterfalls, and relax on sandy beaches.

Day 1: We will meet in Grants Pass, Oregon the afternoon before the river trip begins for a get-acquainted activity, either a tour of a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center or a local day hike. Any activity cost is included in the trip cost. Later that evening the trip leader will host an orientation meeting at which you’ll receive your waterproof bag, learn how to pack it, discuss river trip logistics, and get answers to any questions you may have. 

Day 2: On the first rafting day, we'll gather at a meeting point and travel by van a few miles downriver to our put-in. We will board oar-powered rafts that are guided by knowledgeable and skilled boatmen. For the more adventurous in the family, a paddle raft and inflatable kayaks will also be available. We will run Upper and Lower Graves Creek Rapids on our first day and "scout" Rainie Falls -- a rapid so big that we must go around rather than through. Later in the afternoon, we will camp along the river's edge, playing or just relaxing while the river guides prepare our dinner. The Rogue River trail follows the entire river, allowing those who want to hike an opportunity to explore from camp.

Day 3: Following a hearty breakfast in the morning, we will break camp and re-board our rafts. We will experience more whitewater as we run the rapids of Tyee, Wildcat, and Upper and Lower Black Bar Falls. By now, many of you will be asking to try the inflatable kayaks. We'll eat lunch in a pretty spot along the river (not hard to find around here!) and continue our floating exploration of this wonderful Wild and Scenic river. As our second river day ends, the routine of setting up camp and preparing for dinner will be familiar. After dark, the Milky Way shines brightly, and it is easy to fall asleep to the sounds of the river rushing by.

Day 4: Today's highlights will include a short hike to the historic Rogue River Ranch, and an exciting run through the deep and narrow Mule Creek Canyon section of the river. We will also scout and run Blossom Bar rapid and, later, enjoy dinner, evening conversations, and our final night of camping along the Rogue.

Day 5: Our last day will keep us on the lookout for the bald eagles that inhabit this section of the river canyon. We’ll stop at Flora Dell, a magical fern grotto, complete with a waterfall and swimming hole. After lunch, we'll continue on to the take-out at Foster Bar, where we can help de-rig the rafts. We will arrive back to our cars in the late afternoon following a scenic three-hour shuttle ride back to our starting point. There will be an optional no-host dinner that evening.

Please note that our daily itinerary will be flexible, based on group interests, weather conditions, and, of course, wildlife sightings. Occasionally, changes may occur either in advance of or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to visit all the highlights listed here; however, if weather, equipment, or any other condition causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern.

Getting There

Our trip begins and ends in Grants Pass, Oregon. Grants Pass is bisected by Interstate 5. If you are driving, a quick check using an online map can give you exact driving directions and estimated time. The closest regional airport to Grants Pass is in Medford, 30 miles away. It is serviced by Horizon/Alaska, Allegiant, United, and Delta. The leader can assist you in finding air and ground transportation. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

All meals, from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, will be provided. Plan to eat breakfast and bring a snack before you arrive at the meeting spot on the first day. Please indicate any dietary issues for each member of your family on the personal questionnaire; it is usually possible to accommodate special dietary requests, but the leaders need to know in advance. 

Beverages will include water, juice, cocoa, tea, and coffee. You may wish to bring your own sodas or other favorite beverages in plastic bottles, cans, or wine boxes. No glass is allowed on the river and no drinking is allowed outside of camp. This is for your safety and the safety and enjoyment of others.

Camping gear including tent, sleeping bags, and pads, are provided by the outfitter, but you may bring your own if you prefer. While in Grants Pass, for any nights before and after the rafting trip, you'll need to provide your own accommodations at a hotel or campground. The leader will provide a list of potential places to stay.

Tips for the rafting guides are entirely voluntary and solely at your discretion, but they are customary. A tip in the amount $10-25 per participant per day is standard, with the total group gratuity divided evenly between the rafting guides. This cost is not included in the trip price. The rafting guides of the concessionaire work hard, day and night, to make this trip as memorable and fulfilling for you as possible. We know you will be very pleased with the service they deliver. 

Your Sierra Club trip leader does not share any portion of the gratuity. They are an unpaid volunteer and cannot accept any tips.

Trip Difficulty

It is a great trip for first-time river runners and experienced paddlers alike. The Rogue River has some very fine rapids to keep the trip interesting and everyone alert, but you should not be intimidated if you've never done a rafting trip before. The minimum age on this trip is seven years old.

You are expected to assist in loading and unloading dry bags and other equipment on and off the rafts, and in carrying equipment to and from the campsites. The pace of the trip will be leisurely, allowing plenty of time for swimming, hiking, bird watching, photo taking, and exploring. Daytime temperatures are usually between 65-95 degrees, with low humidity. Nighttime lows are typically in the 50s-60s. Rain is possible, though late summer is typically dry. Our day-to-day itinerary on the river is flexible and will depend on water levels, weather conditions, and the inclinations of participants.

Water safety is a priority. Life jackets will be provided for everyone, in both adult and children's sizes, and must be worn whenever you are on the water. A parent or guardian must accompany any children on the trip. Parents and guardians will be primarily responsible for looking after the safety of their children, especially when on rafts or near the river. 

Equipment and Clothing

Life jackets and waterproof river bags will be provided. Helmets are required for inflatable kayak use and are provided. Helmets on the rafts are optional but will be provided as desired. Registered participants will receive a detailed packing list for the trip. The outfitter will provide tents with a removable rainfly, as well as a sleeping bags and pads. You'll also need both cool-weather gear and raingear (just in case!). 

References

An overview of this area's natural and human history will enhance your experience. The following sources are recommended:

• Atwood, Kay, Illahe: The Story of Settlement in the Rogue River Canyon.
• Arman, Florence and Glen Wooldridge, The Rogue: A River to Run.
• Beckham, Stephen Dow, Requiem for a People: The Rogue Indians and the Frontiersmen.
• Leidecker, Matt, The Rogue River - A Comprehensive Guide.
• Quinn, James M., J. W. King, and J.G. King, Handbook to the Rogue River Canyon.

Conservation

This trip takes place on one of the first rivers to receive the federal designation of Wild and Scenic. We'll take time on the river to discuss the importance of this designation and the challenges we face in protecting this important part of our natural heritage. Other issues include the role of fire management in the local ecosystem and the connection between climate change and the recent catastrophic Oregon wildfires. Additionally, we will examine the impacts these fires have had on wildlife and their habitats.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. This trip is operated by Oregon River Expeditions, permitted by the BLM.