THE ROGUE RIVER
The Wild
& Scenic Rogue offers something for everyone, as a beautiful river that
winds through the verdant forests and intimate canyons of southern Oregon.
This a true wilderness experience. Summer air and water temperatures are
warm, and the relaxed hiking includes many historical destinations. The
fishing is outstanding, and the wildlife viewing includes eagles and bears
feasting on fish.
 The Rogue
River flows through the pine-forested Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern
Oregon. On the 4 or 5 day trip we float down the 45-mile federally protected
Wild & Scenic section offering dark green heavily wooded forests, blue
skies, bright green meadows, narrow gorges and spectacular side streams
with waterfalls and swimming holes. The whitewater on the Rogue is generally
moderate, yet it features one-of-a-kind rapids that challenge even the
best boatmen. The campsites are along sandy beaches, wonderful places
to play and relax. There is a variety of bird life and occasional bear,
deer, beaver and river otter. History abounds, colored by Indians, trappers,
and gold miners.
ROGUE RIVER RAFTING TRIP
Sample
Itinerary: We pride ourselves in running relaxed and flexible schedules.
Every trip varies due to the interests of the groups, other people on
the river and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample itinerary
to give you an idea of our trip.
Day
one We meet our trip leader at 8:30am in the dining room of the Galice
Resort. After making sure that our bags are properly packed and sealed
we load our gear onto the boats (directly behind the resort), get fitted
with lifejackets and settle down for a thorough discussion of safety techniques,
use of the inflatable kayaks and trip procedures. We then start our trip
down the Wild & Scenic Rogue River. A lunch stop with a delicious lunch
prepared by your guides and a few small warm-up rapids will complete the
first half of the day. The afternoon brings us to Rainee Falls and a possible
portage. (You will have a fantastic view of salmon running the falls on
the September trips.) We will set up camp, enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and
dinner and fall asleep under the stars.
Day
two After a hearty breakfast we pack our bags and answer the hardest
question of the day: Who's going in the inflatable kayaks? Some are reluctant,
some can't wait, but everybody usually has a try before the end of the
trip. After lunch we may catch a glimpse of an otter family by the bank
and marvel at the number of great blue herons.
Day
three This is a rest day for the 5-day trips, which gives the group
a chance to write in journals, take pictures, fish, read, swim or play.
Most of the group will probably cross the river to do a couple-mile hike
up Kelsey Creek. The guides will prepare yet another delicious meal, and
after lunch there is another short hike up Dulag Canyon. This hike is
through an area that resembles a rainforest, and the highlight is a beautiful
150 foot waterfall.
Day
four Packing our waterproof bags is routine now and it seems that
everyone wants a try at the "fun-yaks". We stop at the historic Rogue
River Ranch for a short hike and look around while the guides fix lunch.
After lunch everybody is mesmerized by the notorious Mule Creek Canyon
with its sheer rock walls and deep rolling currents. Next on the agenda
is the scout and running of Blossom Bar Rapid. We pull into camp not far
below Blossom Bar, and while unloading the boats, we may get to see a
bear and her cub swimming across the river.
Day
five Our last day to pack the bags. Breakfast is just another amazing
meal prepared by your guides. A few of the guests may be ready to take
over the helm and try their luck at guiding, while the guides keep their
eyes peeled for the ever-elusive bald eagles that inhabit this section
of the river canyon. After lunch we will have a short float to our take-out
point at Illahe. Everybody helps de-rig the boats before we board the
shuttle bus for the two hour scenic ride back to the Galice Resort.
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSIT
For two
to five day trips, a $250/person deposit is required at the time of reservation.
The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
PACKING YOUR GEAR
You will
be issued a waterproof bag for stowing all of your gear, including sleeping
bag and pad. Please pack light but do remember your wool or polypropylene
items for spring and fall trips. River attire is very casual - comfort,
convenience, and raft space take precedence over style. Expect to get
wet and stay wet while in the boats and dress accordingly. Synthetic fabrics
and wool dry fast and insulate better than other fabrics even when wet.
Cotton is to be avoided while in the boats as it stays wet and actually
cools you down. Personal items not needed on the river should be locked
in your car or otherwise stored at your hotel before the trip. We provide
a variety of beverages, but we welcome you to bring along your favorite
refreshments in plastic containers.
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