Click HERE for a larger clickable version with built in links! The Rogue River, one of the original designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, flows 215 Miles from Southern Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range near Crater Lake, through valleys, forests, urban and wilderness areas, and ultimately empties into the Pacific Ocean near the small fishing town of Gold Beach. Within these 215 miles, various sections of the Rogue River are commonly rafted. The 3 primary runs on the Rogue River are: The Wild and Scenic section (Multi-Day Section) The Recreation or Hellgate Canyon section (Single or half-day section) The Nugget Falls or Powerhouse section (usually a half-day section) The biggest differentiators between these sections are length (days, miles, hours), difficulty (scenic floats to whitewater rapids), and location (isolated wilderness expeditions to near-town day trips). The Wild and Scenic Section: Length (in miles): 37 Length (in days): 3 to 5 Season: May – October Class Rapids: III (1 class IV) Put-In Location: Argo Park Take-Out Location: Foster Bar Permit: Information on private permits can be found HERE. The Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River is the ultra-classic overnight multi-day class III river trip that most people refer to when they talk about doing a “Rogue River” rafting trip. This section is very popular among both private boaters and commercial outfitters. And like many of the classic multi-day rivers in the west, requires a ‘tricky to obtain’ permit to float. Private permits are either won in a preseason lottery or picked up through cancellations. Commercial outfitters have set launch dates with strict rules on trip capacity. The permit system limits the number of boaters that can launch on the Wild Rogue each day, a capacity that is often met during the popular summer months. The Wild Section starts where the Recreation Section ends and flows for 40 miles west towards the coast. Most trips start at Graves Creek (take-out for the Recreation Section), but many launch sites are available upstream of Graves Creek within the Recreation Section. Foster Bar, about 7 miles upstream of the confluence with the Illinois River, is the take-out for essentially all Wild and Scenic Rogue River trips. Perfect For: Multi-day adventures in the wilderness Keywords: Wild and Scenic, Camping, Class I-IV, Nature The Recreation Section, also known as Hellgate Canyon Length (in miles): 34 (14) Miles Length (in days): Full or half day Season: Summer Class Rapids: I & II Put-In Location: Grants Pass (Hog Creek) Take-Out Location: Graves Creek The Recreation Section, also called Hellgate Canyon, is a popular full or half-day float upstream of the Wild Section, and downstream of the town of Grants Pass. Trip length varies (as there are multiple access points throughout), but the most popular run from Hog Creek (put-in) to Graves Creek (take-out) is 14 miles. This section is a fun class-two section and an excellent place for first-time boaters to get their feet wet. It’s also worth noting that jet boat tours operate in this section. Perfect for: A fun day on the water Key Words: Hellgate Canyon, half or full day, Class I-II The Nugget Falls or Power House Section Length (in miles): 5.5 Length (in days): Usually half-day Season: Summer Class Rapids: III & IV Put-In Location: Gold Ray Dam Take-Out Location: Gold Hill Boat Ramp Nugget Falls is an extremely popular Rogue River whitewater rafting day trip near the towns of Ashland and Grants Pass. This is a short run of about 5.5 miles packed with some fun class three and four whitewater, most notably the famous Nugget Falls and Ti’lomikh Falls (also known as Powerhouse Rapid). Trips here can be as short as just a couple of hours. This is a great rafting experience for people looking for a quick day trip of exciting whitewater close to Interstate 5 near Ashland, Oregon. Perfect for: A half day of excitement Key Words: Nugget Falls, Power House, Ti’lomikh, Gold Dam, half day, Class III or IV The other sections The majority of the Rogue is raftable; it is navigable from below Lost Creek Lake Dam all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Because of the nature of Lost Creek Lake Dam, water flows in the Rogue River are raftable year-round. The mileage (from upstream to downstream): Lost Creek Reservoir to Gold Ray Dam (31.6 miles, II) Gold Ray Dam to Gold Hill Boat Ramp (up to 5.5 miles) (Nugget Falls Run) Gold Hill Boat Ramp to Grants Pass (18.3 miles, II) Grants Pass to Hog Creek (19 Miles) Hog Creek to Grave Creek (14.5 miles, I to II) (Hellgate Canyon) Grave Creek (Galice) to Foster Bar (Agness) 34 Miles (Wild N Scenic Section) ————————— Bonus Section: Illinois River. The Illinois is a truly one-of-a-kind wilderness and rafting experience, unlike any section of the Rogue. The Illinois runs through very remote sections of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness area, is a much smaller river, and is free-flowing for a few weeks in April & May. If the flows cooperate and you can get on an Illinois, you will never forget it. Learn more about Illinois HERE. in this article April - Oct Rogue River Rafting Oregon Length 3, 4 or 5 days Difficulty Class III (beginner) Price per Person Starts at $1,449 Book Now Learn More Wild and Scenic