Rogue

Location: Southwest Oregon (about 215 miles south of Portland).

Length of trips: 40 miles in three to four days.

Season: Mid-May through mid-October. The water flow is dam controlled, so it remains fairly constant until late August, when the water levels rise a bit and the water temperature cools in order to promote fish runs.

Weather: Count on the best weather from mid-June through August. Mornings can be misty, but expect daytime temperatures from the 70s to the 90s (F) in July and August. At night the temperatures drop into the high 50s. The Rogue enjoys a wonderful Indian summer in late September. Mosquitoes can be pesky, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Campsites on isolated sandy, forested beaches. Also a few rustic riverside lodges, which are very popular.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II, III, and IV. Cool, dark green water that hovers around 65° in summer.

Special features:

  • One of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest, with deep green pools, unbroken forests, fern gardens, and thundering waterfalls.
  • World-class steelhead fishing in autumn.
  • Hikes up lovely side creeks to waterfalls, swimming holes, and abandoned cabins and gold mines.
  • Lovely wildflowers in spring.
  • Swimming.
  • Golden foliage in autumn.
  • Zane Grey gathered material for his novels here. You can visit his cabin at Winkle Bar.
  • Abundant wildlife, including black bears, cougars, black-tailed deer, river otters, raccoon, bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
  • Relaxing float for rafters of all skill levels, including families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Crater Lake National Park.
  • Coast of southern Oregon.
  • Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
  • Oregon Caves National Monument.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Rand Visitor Center, 14335 Galice Road, Merlin, Oregon 97532; +1 541 479 3735, fax +1 541 471 6915. Try to book at least three to six months in advance.

For more information:

  • Oregon Tourism Commission, 775 Summer Street N.E., Salem, Oregon 97310; +1 503 986 0000 or 800 547 7842, fax +1 503 986 0001.
  • Crater Lake National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1990.
  • Ashland Shakespeare festival story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, September/October 1994. To order a copy, please click here.
  • Oregon coast story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1995. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
River Finder - Western U.S.

 
 
 
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