The Rogue River is considered by many as being one of the best multi-day rafting trips in the West. Most people run three or four day trips on this Wild and Scenic section of water. Spectacular scenery, great fishing, and the relaxing nature of the river (and sometimes lodges) are what draws people to the Rogue. If you are planning a Rogue trip the most important thing to remember is this: bring your rain jacket. But that is nothing new for Oregon boaters.
Rafting on the Rogue is not to be taken lightly. There are some places to acknowledge and be aware of. The most famous rapid on the Rogue, Blossom Bar, is also the most expensive rapid on the river in terms of lost gear. Many boats have been abandoned there and gear is always being given to the river gods within the "picket fence." Rainie Falls, a class V drop at the begining of the run, is almost always portaged on the right. The portage is easy- there is a fish ladder with a few short drops. There is also a middle chute next to the main falls that some boaters elect to run.
Most groups put-in at Grave Creek and take-out at Foster Bar. During this 35 mile stretch of river, the average gradient is 15 feet per mile. The river is a classic pool-and-drop, with fun rapids interspaced between long stretches of mellow water. During most flows, the river offers paddlers the excitement of class II/III rapids punctuated with class IV Blossom Bar.
The Rogue river also gives river travelers the opportunity of staying at one of it's famous lodges. Some commercial outfitters run "lodge trips," in which the two nights on the river are spent in a lodge with cabins. Private boaters are also welcome to reserve a cabin, which is certainly a pleasant thought when you are boating in December.
