Back in 1968, Congress protected the famous Rogue River as one of the original eight “Wild and Scenic Rivers.” It’s easy to see why. Winding through a canyon full of dense forests, wildlife, fish, and volcanic geology, the Rogue serves up some jaw-dropping scenery. We are proud to outfit Rogue River rafting trips that are perfect for first-timers and veteran river runners. Everyone loves the Rogue!
Each summer, families return to share their favorite spots and river traditions with their kids and grandkids. By switching between oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks, you get to enjoy a choice of activity and challenge levels. What’s more, the Rogue’s warm water, great summer weather, and reliable flows make these trips comfortable and fun.
Wild and Scenic Rogue River Rafting Trips
Starting in the Cascades of Oregon near Crater Lake, the Rogue River travels west through the gentle, green wilds of the Klamath Mountains. First, it weaves through lush slopes of pine, cedar, and fir, before spilling over boulders and into narrow canyon gorges. Then it passes through the town of Grants Pass and into Hellgate Canyon, and finally enters the wild area at Grave Creek.
Our multi-day rafting trips travel through the rugged Siskiyou Mountains, away from roads and civilization. As well as many Class II and Class III Rapids, the river boasts one Class IV rapid, Blossom Bar (that you have the option to walk around). This popular overnight camping trip usually takes 4 days and ends at Foster Bar, about 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Along the way, you can often spy osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons overhead. Even better, we typically see river otters, deer, and bear along the riverbanks. But it’s not just the wildlife that gets visitors inspired! The rugged landscape, with its beautiful rocky gorges, makes a great backdrop to your rafting adventure. Moreover, the iconic Rogue River Ranch, Mule Creek Canyon, and Whiskey Creek Cabin are some of the scenic stops en route.
Boat Options
During the trip, you have a few boat options, not just one. Therefore, a lot of our visitors like to like to mix it up in a variety of boat types for a blend of exhilaration and chill.
Paddle Boat The guide sits in the back and gives paddle commands to the four to seven crew members.
Oar Boat Oar boats carry gear and supplies as well as up to four passengers. As a result, the oar boat is the most stable way to travel. A ride on an oar boat is a chance to relax, take in the views, watch for wildlife, or chat with friends and family.
Inflatable Kayak (“Ducky”) The duckies are the ultimate vessel for the active river runner. This is your chance to run the Rogue River rapids under your own steam! Before heading onto the water, the guides will give you a pre-trip briefing. On the river, they will direct you through the rapids. Helmets must be worn at all times in the duckies.
When you register for your trip, we ask you how much time you see yourself spending in each boat type. Your answers help us bring the right number of boats along.
On the River
In the mornings, our guides make coffee and breakfast before launching around 10 a.m. We typically cover 8–10 miles per day with a stop for lunch and a short hike. Around 3 or 4 p.m., we arrive in camp with plenty of time to enjoy life on land. Next, it’s time for a hearty meal cooked by our guides.
Each day of the trip has excitement built in, with the most difficult rapids tackled on day 3. After that, day 4 is a mellow drift down the river to close out your time in the wild.
At Camp on Rogue River rafting trips
A Rogue River rafting trip is a lot more than just time on the water. In camp, the guides lead hikes to historic sites and scenic viewpoints along the nearby Rogue River Trail.
If you need to cool off, there are great swimming holes (nature’s waterslides, anyone?). Afterward, you can join in some fun river games, work on your landscape photography, or maybe just fill out your journal by the water. At night, you can search for constellations and spot shooting stars.
All camping gear is free of charge, upon request.
Flora & Fauna
Where to start? River Otters, Sturgeon, Salmon, Deer, Mergansers, Rattlesnakes, and Great Blue Herons. Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Madrone, Manzanita, Alder, and many wildflowers. Lots of Bald Eagles and Osprey and, of course, Bear! Bear encounters here are extra cool because the local bears rarely see people. That makes them truly curious.
Getting to the Rogue River
The Rogue River canyon is within driving distance of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Airports in Portland, Oregon and Medford, Oregon serve the region.
Many of our guests fit their rafting into a week-long road trip to Southern Oregon. Attractions including Crater Lake, Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, California’s Redwoods, and the Oregon Coast are nearby.
Special Themed Trips
Gourmet Food and Memorable Music with Serenade Raft the Wild and Scenic Rogue River by day and gather for music and feasts around the fire at night. There is no better way to Serenade your senses than on this four-day adventure.
Class III Rowing School Learn how to maneuver oar rafts and catarafts on the Rogue River, where the class II and III rapids are ideal for beginner and intermediate boaters. Along with supervised practice, the safety training in this course gives you the skills you’ll need to read water.
Yoga & Rafting Retreats with Susan Fox Spend 5 days soaking up sun, fun and uplifting yoga sessions. Breathe deep and take a break from modern life. After all, isn’t the Rogue River one of nature’s most stunning yoga studios?
Bluegrass on Whitewater Join us for a 5-day Rogue River rafting trip with bluegrass musician Laurie Lewis. We have yet to find a better blend than rafting by day and kicking back to Laurie’s music by night.
Land Acknowledgement
Our trips on the Rogue River travel through the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Shasta Costa and Takelma peoples. In particular, we we visit land ceded in the Treaty of 1853. We recognize current indigenous peoples and those who were removed from their homelands.
We operate under special use permits with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider and employer.