The Rogue River is a classic river trip. This 215- mile river flows out of the mountains nears Crater Lake National Park and west into the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. Our Rogue trips give you a glimpse of the 34 miles known as the “Wild and Scenic” section of the Rogue River, between Grave Creek and Foster Bar. Your adventure will start Galice, Oregon on the first morning and return to Galice in the late afternoon of the fourth day.
All smiles at Stair Creek on the Rogue River
Getting There
Driving : About a 30 minute drive from Grants Pass, Oregon. You can leave your car at the resort where we meet you before the trip. All vehicles are parked away from the main road on Galice property in a group. Keys go into a bag and left behind the main counter of Galice. This allows cars to be moved if needed and makes sure keys don’t fall out of pockets and end up in the river.
Flying : If you fly, you can take a shuttle from the Medford Airport for about $100/van. Most hotels/motels have a shuttle service, inquire when booking your room. The Medford Airport is about an hour from Galice and is serviced by United, Delta, Allegiant, and Alaska airlines. The Portland Airport is about five hours from Galice and is serviced by most major airlines. Car rental is available at both airports. If you have a rental car it will be parked with all the vehicles on Galice property.
Places to Stay Before and After Your Trip
Galice Resort (541) 476-3818 is an inexpensive option and the most convenient place to stay. This is where we meet, leave vehicles, and return too after the trip. Morrison’s Lodge (800) 826-1963 is a nearby riverside lodge that we recommend for its location, beauty, and great food. They will also shuttle you to Galice the morning of the trip.
There are many other options for lodging in nearby Grants Pass, Oregon.
Your First Morning
Meeting Place: Galice, Oregon
Meeting Time: 9 AM
At 9 AM the head guide will meet you in front of the Galice Resort. There is a restaurant and small store here where you can have breakfast and pick up any last minute items.
Almost ready for the river
Arrive dressed in your river clothes and eat a hearty breakfast before the 9 AM meeting. You will be given dry bags to transfer your personal items into and shown where to leave your car. After loading all personal bags into a tailer you will take a quick van ride down to the river where you will meet the rest of your guides, load bags into the rafts, and get a thorough safety talk.
On The River
Coffee is usually ready by 7 AM followed by a hearty breakfast served around 8 AM. Dishes get washed, kitchen packed up, and you’ll be on the river by about 10 AM. You will spend four to five hours a day rafting, depending on the stops you make along the way. Stops could include hike on the Rogue River Trail or just a side creek, or even jumping rock. Lunch will be served riverside, midday. While is is being prepared there is time to swim, take a quick hike, or just relax on land. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive to your campsite with plenty of time to hike, swim, play games or relax before dinner. If you are new to camping, the guides will be happy to help set up your tent and answer any questions you may have about spending the night in the great outdoors.
Boat Choices
This can often be a little confusing, so don’t hesitate to call and ask questions.
Paddle boats are fourteen to fifteen foot boats that are powered by the paddle strokes of the people inside the raft. The guide sits in the back (usually with two oars) and gives paddle commands to the two to eight paddlers on board.
Paddle Boat on the Rogue
Oar boats are big boats that carry gear and supplies as well as passengers. Often called the princess raft; a ride on an oar boat is an opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, or chat with friends and family.
Oar Boat o the Rogue
Inflatable kayaks (“Duckies”) are the ultimate vessel for the active river runner. This is an opportunity to run the rapids under your own power with a little direction from your “ducky momma.” Be ready to paddle hard, hit waves head on, all with a smile on your face.
Inflatable Kayaks (or “Duckies”) are fun for adventure seekers
The Last Day
End of a great trip
Sadly the trip ends at Foster Bar in the early afternoon of the last day. However, you will still have a few hours on the river, as well as lunch. The boat ramp at Foster Bar can be a bit chaotic, with people loading and unloading boating gear, and vehicles going this way and that. Don’t worry though, your guide crew will show you where the restrooms are, and help get the van(s) loaded with bags and people so you can start the drive back to Galice. Your head guide will be joining you for the return to the Galice Resort, so don’t forge to say good-bye to the rest of the crew. The drive back is beautiful, but winding drive, and those prone to carsickness may want to be prepared with Dramamine. The van trip takes about two hours, arriving back to Galice between 3 and 5 PM. It can be nice to make arrangements to stay that night so you don’t have to be in a rush to hit the road again.