Rogue River Rafting

Information for this Mile-by-Mile guide was gathered from photographer and river guide, Matt Leidecker’s “The Rogue River – A Comprehensive Guide from Prospect to Gold Beach”, the BLM’s Rogue River Float Guide, in-house knowledge and a from a variety of sources on the Internet.

• Mile 0

  Put-in (start) at Almeda Bar or nearby launch site for OARS Rogue River rafting trips.

• Mile 2.5

  Smullin Visitors Center (III). We may pause here for a brief rest stop to check-in at the center and pick up our permit to enter the Wild & Scenic corridor.

• Mile 3.8

  ALMEDA MINE. Exciting volcanic ledge drop with waves just below Almeda Park with formations rich with mineral deposits. Miners discovered gold here in 1852, in addition to copper, silver and lead.

• Mile 5.1

  ARGO FALLS (III). Biggest rapid between Grants Pass and Grave Creek, we’ll avoid rocks in the channel as the river winds us right.

• Mile 7.7

  GRAVE CREEK FALLS. We’ll pass under Grave Creek bridge as we enjoy beautiful surrounding scenery and prepare to tackle some strong hydraulics.

• Mile 9.1

  RAINIE FALLS (III-V). This is typically a rapid we’ll scout along the left bank before either walking around or running the “fish ladder” on the right, depending on the water level.

• Mile 11.6

  TYEE RAPIDS (III). The gravel bar pushes water towards the right bank while a small bedrock island splits the channel. At low flows, we’ll enter with caution as waves can push our rafts towards a large hole at center right.

• Mile 12.1

  WILDCAT RAPIDS (III). Splitting around a center divide, the river accelerates  into a boulder-clogged right turn at the confluence of Wildcat Creek.

• Mile 14.2

  SLIM PICKINS RAPID (III). An old dredging platform used in mining days can be seen here on the left.

• Mile 16.1

  Black Bar Lodge. You reach this riverside resort on river left after charging through some Class III whitewater. In the late 40s, gold hunters frequented this spot. Today, the lodge is a popular rest stop for rafters in the summer and hikers each spring.

• Mile 17.9

  HORSESHOE BEND RAPID (III). This rapid encompasses the outside of right-hand bend as the river completes a 180-degree turn.

• Mile 19.6

  Dulog Creek. Up this creek is a beautiful waterfall, which we sometimes scramble up to if the trail isn’t blocked by windfall.

• Mile 20.2

  KELSEY FALLS (III). This rapid is divided by a Giant Flat Boulder, which was located of the left bank prior to a dynamite blast by boatman Glen Wooldridge in the early 1900s.

• Mile 21.3

  Sturgeon Rock. Sports Illustrated Magazine wrote an article expressing how this large, high rock was a prime fishing spot along the Rogue; today, it is subsequently referred to as the Sports Illustrated Rock.

• Mile 22.6

  Zane Grey Cabin. After numerous visits to the region,writer Zane Grey built and settled here on Winkle Bar in 1927 with his family and resided along the river throughout the 30s. This estate was recently converted into public lands when the American River Group initiated a Land Trust.

• Mile 29.1

  Rogue River Ranch. This historic ranch – now currently managed by the BLM – is open to visitors and includes an optional tour of their small museum.

• 29.9

  Marial Lodge. Originally owned by Tom Billings, this lodge was managed by his daughter Marial for many years before it was sold to Ted Camp just prior to the biggest flood on record (December 1964). This lodge is well known for its family hospitality and close proximity to the Rogue River trail.

• Mile 28.4-29.2

  Mule Creek Canyon. One of the most unique sections of the Rogue River, with narrow, sheeted dike walls on either side that make for a thrilling welcome into a corridor with extremely powerful, unpredictable hydraulics. Inflatable kayaks should especially watch out for large boils and surging whirlpools in Coffeepot

• Mile 29.2

  Stair Creek Falls. This dramatic waterfall cascades behind an alcove on river  left. The view from the trail is called Inspiration Point.

• Mile 30.3

  BLOSSOM BAR (IV). The largest and most difficult rapid within the Wild & Scenic section. Many boulders cluster the river here at the end of two vertical drainages, demanding that guides take challenging lines to maneuver around them. Its name stems from the abundant pink azalea flowers that color the banks along the rapid in the spring.

• Mile 31.6

  Paradise Lodge. Situated high above Huggins Canyon, this rustic lodge sits on an expansive deck above the river and was originally built as a farm but began hosting guests overnight to cater to traveling hikers and passing boaters.

• 31.9

  Half Moon Bar Lodge. This property was deeded to Andy Huggins, a miner and hunter in the early 1920s. Bill and Betty Norfleet were the third owners who maintained the property for over 20 years, maintaining good relations with the various outfitters that ran the river.

• Mile 33.8

  East Creek (The General’s Cabin). This is a small camp with concrete stairs that lead to a vacation cabin originally owned by WWII general Curtis LeMay.

• Mile 35.7

  Tate Creek Slide. Located at river right, you’ll find a sandbar pull-in that leads to a steep ravine with a trail heading up towards Tate Creek. In approximately one mile, you’ll reach a waterfall that pours into a crystal clear pool – the perfect natural waterslide!

• Mile 36

  Tacoma Camp. This camp contains an assortment of comfortable spots for your tent; our guides will cook dinner under a live oak tree as you make camp on top of a grassy hill overlooking the river.

• Mile 36.7

  Clay Hill Lodge. Although this lodge was used by Glen Wooldridge in the 40s as a private retreat for his river guests, it was originally homesteaded by the Thomas Family in 1914.

• Mile 36.9

  UPPER CLAY HILL RAPID (III). Water drains to the right side of a rock located just below a large gravel island, creating the perfect surfing wave at some flows.

• Mile 38.3

  Flora Del Creek. This lovely waterfall and jump rock is a common play stop on our last day.

• Mile 41.1

  Illahe Lodge. Constructed in 1944 by Ernest Schneider, the Illahe’s ownership has successfully stayed in the family since its inception, and is a great casting spot for visiting fisherman. It also marks the end of the line for hikers along the Rogue River trail.

• Mile 42

  TAKE OUT (end) at Foster Bar for OARS Rogue River trips.