Home / River Trips / Illinois River Rafting Wild and Scenic Illinois River Rafting Oregon Length 4 days Meeting Point Grants Pass, OR Difficulty Class IV+/V- Minimum Age 16+ years Starting at $1,899 per person. Book Now Illinois River Rafting Oregon Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $1,899 per person. Book Now Overview The Illinois River: Southern Oregon's classic multi-day class IV(V) wilderness rafting trip One of the most breathtaking whitewater adventures in the Pacific Northwest: rafting on Southern Oregon’s Illinois River. Hidden deep within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this Wild and Scenic River offers world-class Class IV–V rapids, crystal-clear emerald waters, and remote canyon beauty that few ever get to see. Perfect for experienced rafters seeking adrenaline and solitude, Illinois River rafting combines thrilling drops and technical rapids with serene stretches framed by mossy cliffs, wildflowers, and old-growth forests. Multi-day expeditions let you explore untouched wilderness, camp beneath star-filled skies, and encounter true Oregon backcountry. The Illinois River’s main attraction is the whitewater and it is the real thing, lots of challenging rapids, roaring, crooked, fast, blind slalom courses through, around and over big boulders. Even in the wealth of whitewater on the Illinois, Green Wall stands out: words don’t do it justice; you have to be there, quaking, to get a sense of it. And then there is the remoteness and isolation– no roads, no trails, no escape routes. Far more than any other trip we offer, leaving the launch site on the Illinois feels like heading into the unknown, a true wilderness adventure. We can’t wait. Known For Unmatched Whitewater Group Size 8 In a Word Exceptional Included Transportation from Grants Pass, OR and return; camping gear including thick comfortable sleeping pads, and tents; all taxes and hidden fees What to Bring See our Packing Guide Scroll to View Map Download Map "Rafting with ARTA was an incredible experience! The professionalism of their guides and the meticulous attention to detail exceeded my expectations. The guides were not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also approachable and fun, making the trip both safe and enjoyable. The equipment was top-notch, and I appreciated the focus on safety without compromising the adventure. The scenery was breathtaking, and the overall organization was flawless. I felt well cared for throughout the entire journey. I would absolutely raft with them again and highly recommend ARTA to anyone looking for a thrilling yet safe rafting experience!" Sandra De Ugarte Puga Illinois River Rafting "ARTA trips are one of the happiest things in my life. And I am a happy guy." Ben Lewis Illinois River Rafting "Loved the patience! I think I called 20 times with questions. You guys are just the best. We love your trips so much." Anna Pujol Illinois River Rafting "All of them. Conscientious intelligent, friendly, talented people who make all feel welcome. Thank you SO MUCH!!" Doug Evans Illinois River Rafting Trip Details A downloadable pdf of these trip details (along with more information about what to expect on your trip) can be found below. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (209-962-7873) or email us (arta@arta.org). We love to talk about our trips! Download PDF Getting There Itinerary What's Provided On The River Getting There This Trip Will Begin and end at: Holiday Inn Express in Grants Pass 105 NE Agness Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97526 Meeting Time: 8:00pm the evening before your trip, the following morning you will leave your vehicles at the Holiday Inn and we will transport you to the river (3 hours). Return: 5:00pm at the Holiday Inn in Grants Pass, OR Get Directions Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass Best Western Inn Grants Pass Before Your Arrival Flying: Horizon/Alaska, and Skywest/United serve Medford, Oregon, which is about 30 miles southeast of Grants Pass. For transportation from the Medford airport to Grants Pass, contact Bear Creek Taxi: 541.500.7588. Due to potential delays, we do not recommend flying out of Medford the evening that the trip ends. Itinerary Subject to change due to flows Day Before Your Trip Begins We’ll meet you at 8:00 pm on the evening before your trip begins in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express in Grants Pass, Oregon. At the pre-trip meeting we will give you your waterproof bags, go over final trip logistics and answer any last minute questions. Day 1 We will convene at the Holiday Inn (early) and then take a 1 – 2 hour van ride to our actual launching point at Miami Bar. After a thorough safety briefing and trip orientation, we will launch around noon and head into the Illinois Canyon. The first day on the Illinois has some fun and challenging rapids. Camping will be at a remote, wilderness site along the river. Day 2 & 3 A typical day on the Illinois starts with coffee and a hearty breakfast before we pack our bags and load on to the rafts. We will float an average of 8- 10 miles, (4 hours), each day, stopping to scout rapids, eat lunch, and perhaps take a short hike or explore an historical site. There are rapids every day, but the biggest rapids are located in “the gorge” which we usually run on the morning of day 3. Water levels on the Illinois are fickle and our daily itinerary is often adjusted due to flows; stay loose. Day 4 The last day on the Illinois has relatively smaller rapids as we float into the lower canyon. Typically we get to the take-out before lunch, de-rig and then have lunch at take-out or along the way during the scenic (but long) drive back to Grants Pass. The return shuttle route takes us west to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the coast to the Redwoods, then back east along the Smith River (where Bird Box was filmed) before arriving at Grants Pass in the early evening. The shuttle drive is widely considered the prettiest river trip shuttle in the United States. What's Provided We Will Provide Transportation from the Holiday Inn in Grants Pass to the river and back All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized equipment for the trip 3" thick, comfortable "paco pad style" sleeping pads for each guest. 2 person tents Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. Friendly, entertaining and professional guide service. All taxes and government access fees. What you are responsible for Meals and lodging before and after your trip Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items (see equipment list) Sleeping bags (these can be rented from ARTA – see equipment list) Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages (see below) Guides gratuities (see below) On The River Being Prepared Types of boats Meals and drinks Camping Weather Local Attractions Alternative Ending Travel Insurance Gratuities Being Prepared The weather on the Illinois is notoriously inclement and you should come prepared for cold and rainy conditions. Do not skimp on the equipment list! Because the river is extremely cold, we will provide “Farmer-John” type wetsuits and splash jackets, but everyone should bring their own thick fleece top, (or two) as well as wool or fleece layers for their head, feet, and hands. Drysuits are a great option and can be rented from Pacific River Supply (510-223-3675) for about $100 for the week. In camp, you will want good rain gear, a rugged tent and a warm sleeping bag; we have sleeping bags available to rent and tents supplied if indicated. Reserve this gear in advance when you complete your on-line registration. Types of boats Due to the difficulty of the Illinois River we primarily use oar-paddle combination rafts. Occasionally we will have guests ride in the oar-powered gear rafts, but everyone should come expecting to be active participants in the trip. Oar-paddle combination rafts are 14 or 16 feet long and are configured so that two or four paddlers can assist a guide who rows the raft using oars. The precision of an oar raft and the power of a paddle raft makes this the ideal rig for the Illinois. Oar rafts are 16 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and sometimes one or two guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Paddlers ride in the front and assist the guide by paddling through the rapids. Meals and drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Weather Think rain! The Illinois is only runnable during the early spring when the weather is usually wet. It doesn’t rain all the time, (it sometimes snows), but you should be prepared for drizzly overcast days. Highs are usually in the 60’s with lows in the 40’s. The water temperature is in the 40’s. Local Attractions The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland is renowned for its Elizabethan Stagehouse and repertoire of Shakespearean drama. Also in the area are scenic Crater Lake National Park and the headwaters of the Rogue River, Oregon Caves National Monument and the historic town of Jacksonville which is home to the Britt Music Festival. Another popular addition to an Illinois trip is a tour of the spectacular Oregon coastline after the trip (see Alternate Ending below). Alternative Ending Our take-out point is 35 miles inland from where the Illinois meets the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. If you don’t want to return to Grants Pass after your trip, you can have your vehicle shuttled to the take-out point for about $250 per vehicle. Arrangements should be made in advance. (bringing a spare key will facilitate the process). Travel Insurance Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 10 and 15 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. And the entire crew will appreciate them and put them to good use. (And thank you.) On The River Being Prepared Being Prepared The weather on the Illinois is notoriously inclement and you should come prepared for cold and rainy conditions. Do not skimp on the equipment list! Because the river is extremely cold, we will provide “Farmer-John” type wetsuits and splash jackets, but everyone should bring their own thick fleece top, (or two) as well as wool or fleece layers for their head, feet, and hands. Drysuits are a great option and can be rented from Pacific River Supply (510-223-3675) for about $100 for the week. In camp, you will want good rain gear, a rugged tent and a warm sleeping bag; we have sleeping bags available to rent and tents supplied if indicated. Reserve this gear in advance when you complete your on-line registration. Types of boats Types of boats Due to the difficulty of the Illinois River we primarily use oar-paddle combination rafts. Occasionally we will have guests ride in the oar-powered gear rafts, but everyone should come expecting to be active participants in the trip. Oar-paddle combination rafts are 14 or 16 feet long and are configured so that two or four paddlers can assist a guide who rows the raft using oars. The precision of an oar raft and the power of a paddle raft makes this the ideal rig for the Illinois. Oar rafts are 16 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and sometimes one or two guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Paddlers ride in the front and assist the guide by paddling through the rapids. Meals and drinks Meals and drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Weather Weather Think rain! The Illinois is only runnable during the early spring when the weather is usually wet. It doesn’t rain all the time, (it sometimes snows), but you should be prepared for drizzly overcast days. Highs are usually in the 60’s with lows in the 40’s. The water temperature is in the 40’s. Local Attractions Local Attractions The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland is renowned for its Elizabethan Stagehouse and repertoire of Shakespearean drama. Also in the area are scenic Crater Lake National Park and the headwaters of the Rogue River, Oregon Caves National Monument and the historic town of Jacksonville which is home to the Britt Music Festival. Another popular addition to an Illinois trip is a tour of the spectacular Oregon coastline after the trip (see Alternate Ending below). Alternative Ending Alternative Ending Our take-out point is 35 miles inland from where the Illinois meets the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. If you don’t want to return to Grants Pass after your trip, you can have your vehicle shuttled to the take-out point for about $250 per vehicle. Arrangements should be made in advance. (bringing a spare key will facilitate the process). Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 10 and 15 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. And the entire crew will appreciate them and put them to good use. (And thank you.)