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Raft or Kayak the Wild & Scenic Rogue River

Josephine County, Oregon

4.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Dan Loch

34 mile rugged & beautiful section of the Wild Scenic Section of the Rogue River. Up close encounters with an amazing abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, black bears, osprey, great blue heron, river otters. Some of Pacific Northwest's best salmon, steelhead, and trout fishing. Thrilling Class II-V rapids. Rafting not your thing? No problem, hike the 34 mile section of the Rogue River Trail that hugs the canyon walls the whole way. You can also camp along the river or kick back and spend an evening at one of the few lodges along the Rogue. Inspiring Native American and early settler historical sites.

The Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River is a hidden secret in the Pacific Northwest. This virtually untouched 34-mile section boasts some of the most pristine and secluded scenery in Oregon. Bald eagles, osprey, and black bears are frequently (if not always) spotted along the way. This beauty of a waterway, is also a beast, and should not be taken lightly. It is HIGHLY recommended that you either hire a rafting guide service (see link below) or if you have your own raft that you have strong experience with Class IV-V rapids and be very aware of the rapids along this section (see map below). This is a stunning river, but is rugged and has some very dangerous rapids if not negotiated appropriately. Please keep in mind there is minimal vehicle access to the river during this 34 mile section other than a few Resort Lodges (see below) toward the end as well as no phone service in the event of an emergency.

Things To Know:

The weather can change in an instant and anticipate that you will get wet one way or another (rain, rapids, etc). Be sure to have appropriate clothing and gear (listed below) as hypothermia is a real danger on the Rogue, even in the middle of summer. This particular section takes on average 3 days and there are various camp areas detailed along the way on the map to help plan amount of milage per day. Some of the camp areas have bear boxes and/or bear fences. Please use them as bears do frequent this area. Your guide service or you will have to arrange a shuttle for vehicles and trailer/raft for drop off at Grave's Creek Boat Ramp and Pick-up at Foster Bar. Prices vary depending on service chosen. Lottery permits are required between May 15th and October 15th for this 34 mile section and applications must be submitted between December 1st and January 31st (see link below for further info). Permits cost $10 per person per trip. Prior to or after these dates, or on sections not included between Grave's Creek and Foster Bar, permits are not required. Boats, kayaks, rafts must also have Invasive Species Permit and whistle.

Looking for something shorter or less challenging?

Smaller sections of Wild and Scenic Section are available that require less technical skill, suitable for soft-shell kayaks and can be done in one day:* Grant's Pass to Hog Creek: about 7 hrs (mostly flat water)* Hog Creek to Galice: about 3.5 hrs (Class I-II whitewater)

Lottery Permits:

BLM Rogue Permits

Guide Services:

Wild RogueRogue River Raft

Wild & Scenic Section Map:

Rogue River Raft Map

Lodges:

Galice ResortBlack Bar LodgeParadise LodgeTripAdvisor

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Rafting
Kayaking
River
Scenic
Wildlife
Cliff Jumping

Raft or Kayak the Wild & Scenic Rogue River Reviews

Get your permit early, camp along the river, enjoy the disconnect of the world and connect to quiet and nature.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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