Pre Trip Info: 3/4-Day Lower Rogue “Wild and Scenic” Rafting Trip. By Matt Davenport

!! Important Information For Planning Your Trip !!

Blossom Bar. 

               "The Rogue River is one of the original eight rivers designated as "Wild and Scenic" by Congress in 1968 for its amazing beauty and wilderness. The Rogue below Grave Creek is described by many as "floating through a zoo" due to the plentiful bald eagles, osprey, deer, bear, chinook salmon, steelhead, and wildflowers. The river has many fun Class II and III rapids with long pools in between. This is the best river in the world for families to enjoy and is a delight in an inflatable kayak."*

Mule Creek Canyon
!! Important Information For Planning Your Trip !!

*Floating the Rogue River is thrilling, enjoyable, and generally safe; however, river running and camping have inherent risks. Think before you act, use your common sense, and respect the strengths and hazards of the river.*

    • Float Guide- http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/files/FloatGuide04.pdf *

• Trip planner / packing list - The following links are from a local rafting company, Rogue River Raft Trips. The links are examples of what you should look for when hiring a guide service. The links provide a general trip/overview of a guided trip down the Lower Rogue.

Rainey Falls




Basic River Safety:

• When in Doubt, Scout.If you are not sure about a rapid, pull over to the shore and walk ahead to look over the situation.
• When in Trouble, Be Active. When you ind yourself in a difficult situation or if your craft is out of control, always keep trying to help yourself.
• Dress For Success; Wear Your Life Jacket. Make sure it is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type III or Type V model, best for whitewater boating.
• Watch Your Step. River sandals offer the best traction on wet rocks from slips, trips, and falls. 
• Wearing a life jacket on land can be the best protection if you fall.
•  Most Accidents Happen in camp. This is where you will encounter sharp knives, hot stoves, toe-stubbing rocks, bees, yellow jackets, ticks, rattlesnakes, and poison oak.*



Mule Creek Canyon



• Camping/Lodging
• Lodging on the lower Rogue River   
• The link below provides a summary of a 2012 Rogue River Lodge Trip
• http://oregonwhitewater.org/rivers/trip-reports/2012-rogue-river-lodge-trip/
• Check Float Guide for campsites.  http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/files/FloatGuide04.pd
• The link below is what a typical guided trip will be like.
• http://www.echotrips.com/rogue/trip-itinerary.htm

Your trip should include the following:

• Professional, experienced guides.
• The best available rafting equipment, including Coast Guard approved life jackets.
• Use of splash jackets & wet suits.
• A secure dry box to store your luggage during the time on the water.
• A day sized dry bag for items you need access to during the day.
• Fabulous meals, from lunch the first day to lunch on the last day. 
• Transportation back to Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge at the end of the trip.

Outfitters

•  Adventure Center                                               
•  ECHO River Trips
• Helfrich Outfitter
•  O.A.R.S. Inc.
•  Orange Torpedo
•  Oregon River Experiences
• Rogue Klamath River Adventures 
• Rogue Wilderness, Inc. 
• Sundance Kayak School 
• Turtle River Rafting Company
• Whitewater Warehouse
• Wilderness Fishing Trips

NOTE FROM EDITOR: 

While I was a kid I often overlooked the scenery and the magical atmosphere the Rogue creates. The Rogue is a place that I have spent many years exploring. I have come to learn that this River is always changing and is very alive! This river can be a playground and also a burial ground. I have lost friends to this river and also have enough good memories to fill a lifetime. The Wild and Scenic section is far different then the day use section, the consequence is far higher once below Grave Creek. I recommend the lower trip to anybody seeking an adventurous trip. Plan strongly accordingly to the weather! Most of all, respect and enjoy this beautiful land! The trip typical takes 3/4 days but can also be stretched into 5-7 days. Side hikes are popular along with the Rogue River Trail that stretches from Grave Creek to Foster Bar, 35 miles.

Tips: Talk to local outfitters if you plan on running the lower section without the use of guides. This trip is possible without guides but I recommend doing your homework. There are many historical sites and interesting places to stop along the way. 

SOURCES:

http://www.c-w-r.com/rivers/rogue-river.html

http://www.rogueriverraft.com/

http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/files/FloatGuide04.pdf http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/index.php

http://www.echotrips.com/rogue/trip-itinerary.htm