ROGUE

Over forty years ago, the Federal Government dedicated 43 miles along the Rogue as “Wild and Scenic.” Thanks to this, the river has been protected from development, remaining wild and remote. The river canyon itself, formed over a million years ago when the western part of Oregon was uplifted to form the Pacific Coast Range. During this activity, the lower Rogue River was transformed from a quiet stream into a frothing, boiling torrent of whitewater. Over time the river eroded its channel deeper and deeper into the rock. Today the broad canyon averages a depth of over 3,000 feet and the river has become much more playful for paddlers.

The Rogue boasts the richest conifer forest in North America. For the first three days we see trees that require little water: pacific madrone, white oak, canyon live oak, tan oak and manzanita. Near Mule Creek Canyon we cross to the ocean side of the coastal range which hosts trees that can use more moisture: fir, hemlock, sugar pine, and grand fir. Wildlife abounds. Deer are very common. Black bears prowl the shore hunting for salmon and berries. We often have sightings of playful river otter, and mink darting along the shoreline. Great blue herons glide gracefully by. Osprey soar above, occasionally diving into the river to fly away with salmon – always pointed aerodynamically head first! Many bald eagles nest along the 44 miles of river, and mergansers ducks run expert lines that make the best kayakers feel uncoordinated!

The canyon is rich in history. The Native Americans earned themselves the nickname “Rogue Indians” as they fought hard against the onslaught of miners and settlers who came for gold in the 1850’s. The canyon next became home to a colorful and cantankerous lot of settlers. Most famous is Zane Grey, the author of potboiler westerns, who spent summers on the river. Grey’s Rogue River Feud takes place on the river, and his Tales of Freshwater Fishing did much to give the Rogue its national reputation for fall Steelhead fishing.

We meet at the Galice resort and caravan to our put-in spot to pack our overnight bags and prepare to lauch on our 44 miles of adventure.

Day 1 The Rogue is a Class II/III river full of moderate rapids with plenty of action -but not too wild! The morning of the first day is a great warm up. After lunch we enter the Wild and Scenic section, and we do so with a bang! Grave Creek rapids thrill the rafters and challenge the kayakers. Everyone gets wet! Next, most guests hike around Rainey Falls – the far left shore is a straightforward portage. The guides run the rafts through the middle chute while some kayaks run the right. Some kayaker’s run the far right “fish ladder” which is a creeky, low volume affair. At day’s end there is time to hike, swim, read, or relax on the beach. We serve hors d’oeuvres with happy hour, followed by a hearty dinner created by the guides. What better way to cap a paddling day than eating a delicious dinner, watching shooting stars, and sharing tales and laughter with your friends?

Days 2 – 4 are full days on the river. The aroma of coffee is your alarm clock! After a country breakfast we pack up camp and hit the river. Rapids on days 2 and 3 include Wildcat, Upper and Lower Black Bar Falls, Horseshoe Bend, and Telephone Hole.



On day 4 we encounter the best whitewater! Above Mule Creek Canyon we sometimes visit the historic Rogue River Ranch. Then Mule Creek rapid plunges through a narrow canyon. When the whitewater lets up we have a chance to enjoy the spectacular beauty of this unique canyon. Next is Blossom Bar rapid, a Class IV, boulder-strewn challenge. We sometimes scout this one from the rocks above, and a portage or raft ride through is an option. After Blossom comes Devil’s Staircase, which is not as tricky but definitely demands attention. Then it is smooth floating through more beautiful scenery until camp.

Day 5 is an easy day with some good play as we paddle down to the take-out at Foster Bar. We usually arrive mid-afternoon to the bustle of unloading the rafts, changing clothes, loading the vans, and saying good-bye to the guides, who stay on to de-rig. The two hour ride follows a scenically beautiful road that climbs over 4,000 feet in elevation before coming full circle back to Galice.