Rogue River Rafting

3, 4, or 5 Days See dates & prices 4.93 76 reviews
Location Oregon Adventure Level Moderate Minimum age 7 River Rating Class III-IV From $1049 | Gourmet/Wine trips from $1649
Book Now Call toll-free 1 (800) 346-6277

The Rogue River might just be the perfect rafting trip. This beloved OARS adventure features exciting whitewater that’s fun for all levels, beach camping, magical side hikes, and abundant wildlife viewing.

Choose from a 3-, 4- or 5-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS and journey down 40 miles of this scenic waterway in southwestern Oregon, through the storied Siskiyou Mountains, explored for centuries by Native Americans, trappers, and gold prospectors. 

One of the original eight rivers to gain federal “Wild & Scenic” designation in 1968, the Rogue River winds through one of the most beautiful pine-forested canyons in North America. What’s more, the warm, gently surging waters of the Rogue River combine with “one-of-a-kind” rapids, which provide plenty of whitewater excitement – without an “extreme” element. Rogue River rapids like Blossom Bar and Rainey Falls are sure to inspire a generous dose of adrenaline interspersed with lots of calm float time in between. For the more adventurous, our inflatable kayaks provide an up-close and personal encounter with the Rogue’s rollicking whitewater.

A family rafting tour that ties well into a visit to the state’s untouched ocean beaches and nearby national parks like Crater Lake, a Rogue River whitewater trip is an ideal addition to any Oregon adventure vacation

Trip Highlights
  • Rogue River trips offer great hiking & swimming 
  • Numerous adrenaline-infused rapids with just enough tranquil floating, perfect for families
  • Try paddling an inflatable kayak through fun, Class II-III whitewater
  • Waterfalls, historic sites & abundant wildlife, including black bear, otter, osprey & eagles
  • Camp under the stars with a beautiful forested canyon as the backdrop
  • Adult-Only, Wine on the River, Craft Beer Tasting & Gourmet trips available

What to Expect

Itinerary & Map

Itinerary at a Glance

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Rogue River rafting trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

The Day Before Your Trip

The evening before your trip, we’ll meet for a pre-trip meeting in Grants Pass, OR. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader, and ask any last-minute questions.

Day 1

The morning of your trip, we’ll gather at La Quinta Inn & Suites for a shuttle ride to the put-in. At the boat ramp, your guide crew will load the rafts, give a river safety talk and fit you with a personal flotation device (PFD) before launching on the river. 

Heading downstream, a few warm-up rapids get us acquainted with the river, before we stop for lunch. The afternoon brings us to exciting Rainie Falls—the first real test of our whitewater skills—and a bit further downriver, a possible hike to Whiskey Creek Cabin.

Once we reach camp, the guides will demonstrate how to set up your tent and explain the ins and outs of camp life. While the guides prepare dinner, you’ll have time to have a short hike, explore the wooded terrain, read a good book, or just relax with a beverage of your choice.

Days 2 – 4 (Depending on Trip Length)

Each morning, you’ll be greeted with hot coffee, tea, and cocoa and breakfast is served around 8 AM. After you pack your belongings, you’ll have some time to relax while camp is broken down and the boats are loaded. 

Some days include lots of action through many Class II and III rapids and others are more mellow. The most adventurous can paddle inflatable kayaks, which are a blast, even in the smallest rapids.

As we continue downriver, we will take time to enjoy the beauty and history the Rogue has to offer. When possible, we might try to hike to Kelsey Creek for swimming and trout fishing, meander up lush Dulog Creek to play under a refreshing waterfall or stop at one of the several historic home sites, most of which are maintained as museums of human history offering insights into the canyon’s past. 

Later in the trip, we encounter the sheer rock walls and deep, rolling currents of Mule Creek Canyon, and challenging Blossom Bar Rapid, which is followed by tranquil Huggins Canyon.

Ideally, we’ll arrive at camp each afternoon around 4 PM to have plenty of time to relax, play beach games, or chat with new friends as the guides prepare a delicious meal.

Our 5-day trips allow for more time to explore the Rogue River Canyon’s hidden gems and may include a layover day spent swimming, exploring a section of the Rogue River Trail, or visiting the enchanted Brushy Bar Forest. Those who choose to stay at camp may like to take out books, journals, or sketchbooks and enjoy some peaceful “alone time.”

The Last Day of Your Trip

Leaving camp after breakfast on the last day is bittersweet—you might not be quite ready for civilization again, but a hot shower will sound pretty good! A few guests may be keen to try rowing, while the guides keep their eyes peeled for the bald eagles that inhabit the final section of the river canyon. After lunch, we have a short float to our take-out point at Foster Bar, before a return shuttle back to La Quinta Inn & Suites.

Meeting Time & Place

Location

Grants Pass, OR

Meeting time

6 PM, the evening before your trip

Return

Approximately 6 PM to La Quinta Inn & Suites

Trip Map

Dates & Prices

Save $100 on 2024 departures when you’re one of the first to book by March 31 and request “Premier Pricing” over the phone; some exclusions apply.

2024 DeparturesAdult PriceYouth Price
May 18$1,149$1,049
May 25$1,149$1,049
June 11$1,149$1,049
June 22$1,199$1,149
2024 DeparturesAdult PriceYouth Price
May 11 All Adult$1,449
June 2, 6$1,449$1,349
June 8 All Women$1,449
June 13$1,449$1,349
June 18, 25, 29$1,549$1,449
July 8, 14, 20, 27$1,549$1,549*
August 3, 10$1,549$1,449
August 17 All Adult$1,449
August 20, 24$1,449$1,349
August 25 Wine on the River$1,649
September 1 Wilderness Gourmet*$1,799
September 4, 8, 14$1,449$1,349
September 9 Wine on the River$1,649
September 18 Craft Beer Tasting$1,549

*Youth pricing not available for trips departing in July; Wilderness Gourmet not available for Premier Pricing

2024 DeparturesAdult PriceYouth Price
June 15, 23$1,699$1,599
July 1, 9, 16, 23, 30$1,699$1,699*
August 13$1,599$1,499

*Youth pricing not available for trips departing in July

Book Now

DEPOSIT:

$400

Additional Costs:

• $10 per person federal, state, and local access fees
• Sleep Kit $40 | Tent included

Ways to Save

To book with one of our special offers, call 1-800-346-6277 or contact us today.

Premier Pricing

Save up to 10% (or more) on most domestic trips when you’re one of the first 4 people to book by March 31st!

Specialty Trips

The Need-to-Know Info

Trip Details

Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Skilled, professional guide service
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on the final day with limited beer & wine at dinner
  • Expedition equipment, including highest quality rafts, 2-person shared tent, personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, waterproof bags, camp chair, as well as eating utensils and plates
  • Transfers from Galice Resort to the river and back

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Pre- and post-trip transportation, accommodations, and meals
  • Transportation to and from La Quinta Inn & Suites
  • Rogue River Access Fee
  • Sleeping bag & a deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad (these items may be rented from OARS)
  • Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
  • Gratuities
Oar rafts and inflatable kayaks tackle rapids on a family adventure down Oregon's Rogue River with OARS

The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants, and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip. 

Learn more about the OARS Fleet and the boats that may be a part of your experience: Oar raft, paddle raft, or inflatable kayak.

After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night. 

While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.

As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.

In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.

More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.

The weather in Southern Oregon is typically quite favorable during the summer months. The days are long and typically dry, making for a pleasant journey. Like anywhere, though, the weather can be unpredictable at times. Early and late-season trips can bring a wider range of temperatures, and one should always be prepared for rain. 

Average Air & Water Temperatures

Air (Day) °FAir (Night) °FWater °F
May65-7540-5058
June70-8545-5565
July85-9550-5770
Aug85-9550-5770
Sept65-8545-5064

Whitewater

Few rivers offer whitewater excitement suitable for such a wide range of ages and experience levels as the Rogue. Its Class III-IV rapids are a great whitewater introduction for the beginning rafter, yet challenging enough to excite experienced river runners. The Rogue’s flow is regulated by upstream dams; this allows for reliable river flows all summer long. Enjoy rolling wave trains and exciting drops, separated by lazy stretches, during which you can sit back and relax, as you float down this scenic river.

Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.

  • Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
  • Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 60 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

Reservations and Payments

A $400/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 60 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 50 days before the departure date will be canceled.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

Cancellations and Refunds

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

Date of CancellationCancellation Fee
180 or more days before your trip$50/person
179 – 90 days before your trip$100/person
89 – 60 days before your trip$200/person. The remainder of your payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund.
59 days or less before your tripFull fare

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.

Canceled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed. 

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.

Transfers

If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $25/person fee up until 90 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 89 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

O.A.R.S. West, Inc. operates on the Rogue River as a permitted outfitter of the Bureau of Land Management and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement

We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Rogue River between Almeda Bar and Foster Bar, we acknowledge the territories of the Tolowa Dee-ni’, Takelma, Modoc, Cow Creek Umpqua, Tututni, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

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