The Rogue River is an iconic American classic, one of the country’s great summer wilderness trips, a founding member of the National Wild and Scenic River System, and a river with such a grand reputation that in some circles it is simply known as “the Canyon”. It flows through an area rich with pioneer history and lore – some of it surviving to this day in the form of remote, river-accessed, wilderness lodges and abandoned historic homesteads. The canyon itself is a stunning wilderness playground that is home to a staggering amount of wildlife and abundant whitewater.

The Rogue River begins in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness and Crater Lake National Park. It flows south west through the Cascades and then briefly touches civilization near the town of Grants Pass. We begin our trip just downstream right before the river plunges into the rugged and remote Siskiyou Mountains.

A trip down the Rogue has been compared to being in a “Planet Earth” movie. There are narrow canyons of polished rock, cool grotto’s draped in ferns, heavily forested hillsides, big sandy beaches, some of the best swimming holes anywhere, cascading waterfalls, and hikes up tumbling side streams. It is common to see bald eagles, osprey, otter, and black bear.

There are over 80 rapids and the whitewater is fun and exciting yet safe. The rapids and the choice of craft make the Rogue almost unmatched in its ability to satisfy a wide range of tastes and skill levels. It is not uncommon to have trips enjoyed by three generations of family or friends. You have the choice of sitting in relaxing oar boats, participating in more exciting paddle boats, or navigating the whitewater in an inflatable kayak (this adds a big level of excitement to the rapids).

Our Rogue River trips are done with our signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. With comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, creative menus, personal service and hospitality, one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staffs in the world, and with all the little details and touches we are known for.

For all the grand descriptions and accolades heaped on the Rogue for many of the guides who grew up here it is simply home – a place to recharge, relax, and live simply. In the end that might say the most about this place.

Note: Each trip covers the same stretch of river but there are different ways to experience it. We offer 3-day lodge trips where nights are spent in comfortable and rustic wilderness lodges and 4-day camp trips where nights are spent under the stars. We also offer custom 3 to 5-day trips for groups and charter trips.

All Rogue River Rafting Trips Include:

• All river equipment.
• For Camp Trips: All camping gear (including ultra-comfortable 3″ sleeping pads) if needed.
• Showers
• Return transportation back to Galice, Oregon. Transportation can also be arranged from Ashland, Oregon.
• Gourmet 3 course meals featuring local and organic produce & products. Find out more >>
• World-Class guides with a minimum 8 years experience leading trips around the globe. Find out more >>
• A trip down one of the world’s great summer wilderness rivers.

*working in partnership with Momentum River Expeditions

Wild and Scenic Rogue River – 4-Day Camping Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Our trip starts near Grants Pass, Oregon at the Galice Resort, located along the banks of the Rogue River. Here we will help you pack your dry bags and get any last minute “must haves” at the resort. We then head to the river, meet the crew, and do a thorough orientation talk. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head into the Rogue River Canyon. For four days we will float the Rogue as it cuts through the remote and wild Siskiyou Mountain Range. The canyon is home to abundant wildlife including bear, river otter, dear, bald eagles, and osprey.

The first day includes Rainy falls, and a hike to the historic Whiskey Creek minor’s cabin. Each night we will camp along the river on sandy beaches or grassy flats. The first afternoon we will have a “camp talk” and go over everything you need to know about our comfortable wilderness camping. In the evening we will enjoy our first dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2
After a hearty breakfast and plenty of time for a second cup of coffee we will break camp and head down river. Day 2 includes windy and Kelsey Creek Canyons, some beautiful side creeks with great swimming options, and for inflatable kayakers one of the best days of rapids. The side streams of the Rogue are almost unmatched in there frequency, beauty, and pristine state – we will take time every day to visit at least one. We also may stop at historic Battle Bar or Zane Grays Cabin. There is a wide variety of camping options for night two depending on water levels and the length of our day on the river. After another big dinner (we are well known and proud of our meals!) we will get a good night’s sleep in preparation for a big day three.

Day 3
On day three we float through Horseshoe bend and head into the narrow and spectacular Mule Creek Canyon. Mule Creek Canyon is one of the most unique canyons in the world, and for many it the highlight of the trip. For a short part of the canyon you can float in only a life jacket through its calm swirling waters – there are very few sensations like it. The infamous and feared Blossom Bar rapid follows. Blossom Bar was dynamited in the early 1900’s to allow boats passage. It is still an impressive rapid but with the proper guiding it is enjoyed by generations of friends and family. After Blossom we will float lazily through the beautiful Huggins canyon before spending our last night on the river.

Day 4
Morning comes once again with coffee, tea and the sound of birds in the canyon. Our third day includes yet another scenic inner gorge, beautiful side canyons and swimming holes, some great jumping rocks, and a bald eagle rookery. We will also have some of the best opportunities to see Black Bear. We reach the end of our river trip in the early afternoon. You then either load up in our van to make the drive back over beautiful Bear Camp road to Galice Resort or make the short half hour trip to the Oregon coast to continue your vacation.

Wild and Scenic Rogue River – 3-Day Lodge Trip Itinerary

PLEASE NOTE:
Lodge trips are based on double occupancy (or family rooms). There are rooms available for groups of 3+ and families. However, most of the wilderness lodges are very small and do not have space for singles wanting their own room – please contact us with any questions.

Day 1
Our trip starts near Grants Pass, Oregon at the Galice Resort, located along the banks of the Rogue River. Here we will help you pack your dry bags and get any last minute “must haves” at the resort. We then head to the river, meet the crew, and do a thorough orientation talk. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head into the Rogue River Canyon. For three days we will float the Rogue as it cuts through the remote and wild Siskiyou Mountain Range. The canyon is home to abundant wildlife including bear, river otter, dear, bald eagles, and osprey.

The first day includes Rainy falls, a hike to the historic Whiskey Creek minor’s cabin, and numerous chances to swim in some of the beautiful side streams. The side streams of the Rogue are almost unmatched in there frequency, beauty, and pristine state – we will take time every day to visit at least one. For inflatable kayakers day one also offers perhaps the biggest mix of rapids. We will stop for lunch along the way at one of the many beautiful spots along the banks. Our day on the water ends in the late afternoon where we pull over in the middle of Big Windy Canyon at our first wilderness lodge.

Black Bar is a rustic lodge that is only accessible by boat or small plane – it is simple yet comfortable and brimming with pioneer history. The lodge offers comfortable cabins with linens, beds, and private bathrooms with hot showers. Evenings at the lodge are spent relaxing on the deck with a glass of wine or beer, fishing at the river’s edge, hiking to side creeks, or enjoying the peace and quiet of a deck chair and a good book. Hors d-oeuvres and wine will be served on the deck while we prepare a fresh and filling dinner for all. We are famous for our food and chose this lodge because we can serve our own “Momentum” meals. The evening will be capped off with dessert and views of a night sky filled with stars and free of any light pollution.

Day 2
After a restful night’s sleep, we wake to the morning and coffee and tea on the deck. A filling and delicious breakfast is served and we will have plenty of time for an extra cup of coffee before pushing off again. Some of our morning stops may include the beautiful Kelsey Creek and its tranquil swimming hole, Battle Bar and its rich Native American history, and Zane Grey’s historic cabin.

After lunch, we head into the narrow and spectacular Mule Creek Canyon. Mule Creek Canyon is one of the most unique canyons in the world, and for many it the highlight of the trip. For a short part of the canyon you can float in only a life jacket through its calm swirling waters – there are very few sensations like it. The infamous and feared Blossom Bar rapid follows. Blossom Bar was dynamited in the early 1900’s to allow boats passage. It is still an impressive rapid but with the proper guiding it is enjoyed by generations of friends and family.

Night two is spent at Paradise Lodge. Like Black Bar Lodge Paradise is set deep in the wilderness and is only accessible by boat, small plane, or on foot. The lodge sits atop a river terrace overlooking the water and has a large deck. The deck has one of the most beautiful views of the trip and many times includes Black Bear wandering the water’s edge. Paradise also offers very comfortable rooms with linens, hot showers, rustic pine post furniture, and fireplaces. Dinner is served by the lodge and is hearty and filling, the perfect end for a wonderful day on the river. Evenings are spent hiking around the lodge grounds, swimming in Paradise Creek, or just relaxing on the deck, enjoying a glass of wine and stories from the day.

Day 3
Morning comes once again with coffee, tea and sun on the deck. If you are an early riser, the Rogue River trail is a wonderful way to start your day with a brisk walk along the river. After breakfast, it is back to the rooms to pack our bags, and then time to head downstream.

Our third day includes yet another scenic inner gorge, beautiful side canyons and swimming holes, some great jumping rocks, and a bald eagle rookery. We will also has some of the best opportunities to see Black Bear. We reach the end of our river trip in the early afternoon. You then either load up in our van to make the drive back over beautiful Bear Camp road to Galice Resort or make the short half hour trip to the Oregon coast to continue your vacation.