Rogue
2. Gold Ray Dam to Gold Hill Boat Ramp (up to 5.5 miles)(Nugget Falls Run)
| Difficulty | II-IV |
| Length | 5.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 11 fpm |
| Gauge | Rogue River at Raygold Near Central Point, or |
| Flow Rate as of 20 minutes | 2070 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 3, 2024 |
Projects
The Rogue River was among the nation’s original Wild and Scenic Rivers designated in 1968. Recreational opportunities abound from the Lost Creek Reservoir to the Pacific Ocean. Several fun day trips are available downstream of Lost Creek Reservoir which now flows freely with the removal of 3 dams: Gold [...]Read More
River Description
This is a popular local run for paddlers in the communities of Ashland, Medford, and Grants Pass that is accessible through the summer. Starting from the former Gold Ray Dam site, a dam that wave removed in 2010, the run is fairly mellow with a good bit of flatwater for the first couple miles. You can expect to see a diversity of bird life along this section. Within a couple miles the action begins to pick up with some fun class II rapids that offer good surfing. You will then pass an alternate access point on river right. For a quick run that takes in the best whitewater, paddlers often run the last two miles that start here. The action begins to pick up as your run the Broken Weir. An old concrete weir is still intact on river left and concentrates the flow into a gap on river right that forms a great little play feature. Nugget Falls is just downstream. The channel down the left is a fun ride. At the base of this rapid you will pass another access site on river right. The run continues with a float down to the former site of the City of Gold Hill's diversion weir. This dam was removed in summer 2008 and a new water intake has been constructed on river right. Immediately downstream the river takes the plunge over Ti’lomikh Falls (aka Powerhouse Rapid). There are several options here including an easier route down the right, a center line through the big hole, or a great boof move down the river left channel. Within a few more paddlestrokes you will come to the take-out and boat ramp at Gold Rogue Sports Park on river right.
For a longer trip, you can continue downstream to the next run.
Logistics:
The put-in at the former Gold Ray Dam site is located at river mile 125.9, elevation 1122' (at the base). From I-5 exit 35 take Blackwell Road 1.5 miles northwest to Gold Ray Road (just after you cross the railroad tracks). Take Gold Ray road 1.4 m
...River Features
Gold Ray Dam Rapid Put-in
No more dam but there is a rapid at the site. Put in on river left. Located at USGS river mile 125.8.
Fishers Ferry
Access point on river left with a boat ramp. The site is the common put-in used by outfitters.
Hardy Riffle
Rapid located at USGS river mile 123.7.
Bitterman Falls
A fun rapid with a couple of playspots. Located at USGS river mile 123.5.
Lyman Falls (aka Dowden Falls or Doughton Falls)
You will find a fun surf wave or two in this rapid. Located at USGS river mile 122.8.
Lyman Falls Fishing Access
This access provides a put-in for the biggest drops on the run with a short shuttle on river right. The site is administered by the State of Oregon primarily as a fishing access and has a locked gate but a key has been available for regular users of the site. Walk in access to the site is also permitted. Located at USGS river mile 122.7.
Broken Weir
An old weir diverts flow to river right where a fun play spot forms. Located at USGS river mile 122.3.
Nugget (or Dillon) Falls
A great drop. Follow the tongue down the left side, skirt the holes or punch them for a fun ride. Located at USGS river mile 122.2.
Gold Hill Dam Site
The diversion weir is now gone and there are a few riffles where it was. Located at USGS river mile 120.9.
Ti’lomikh Falls
The biggest drop on the run, also known as Powerhouse Falls. A popular line is down the center through the hole. You can also do the boof line to the left. Alternatively there is a bit of a sneak down the right. This rapid is hard to scout as the channel divides giving you a few different options and vegetation obscures the view.
Rogue Gold Sports Park Take-out
Take out on river right in the park.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportSite visit to the former site of Gold Ray Dam which was removed in 2010.
both Gold Ray dam and Gold Hill dam have been removed. There is a lot of wood (large trees) above the old Gold Ray dam site that over the next year or two will no doubt find it's way downriver so keep a watchful eye out especially in Muggers Alley (the right side sneak) and the left side boof at Powerhouse
Remnant of Gold Hill Dam removed in summer 2007.
A raft lines it up for the center chute at Ti’lomikh Falls.
Gold Ray Dam is a former hydropower project on
the Rogue River (river mile 125.9) just upstream of
the town of Gold Hill. Construction of the first dam
began in 1902 and started producing power in
1904. When powerplant was decommissioned in
1972 the generation capacity was 1250 kw. While
the dam no longer produces hydropower it
continues to negatively impact fish and represents
a barrier to river navigation. It has a fish ladder but
it is not maintained and flows on the river are
typically higher than the design flow for the ladder.