Rogue,

2. Gold Ray Dam to Gold Hill Boat Ramp (Nugget Falls Run)

Usual Difficulty	II-IV (may vary with level)
Avg. Gradient	11 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
ROGUE RIVER AT RAYGOLD NEAR CENTRAL POINT, OR
usgs-14359000	800 - 3000 cfs	II-IV	01h26m	1220 cfs (rc= 0.2 )

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 Gold Ray Dam which provides a couple of play spots, 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 some more flatwater as you approach the City of Gold Hill's diversion weir. This dam is scheduled for removal in summer 2008 and a new water intake has been constructed on river right. As long as the dam remains intact you will need to run it and with a careful boat scout you should be able to find a way through.

Immediately downstream of the weir the river takes the plunge over 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 or you can continue on downstream to the next run.

Logistics: The put-in at Gold Ray Dam 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 miles to Gold Ray Dam. Access is available at a number of sites along river left below the dam.

The take-out at Gold Hill Boat Ramp is located at river mile 120.2, elevation 1056' accessible from I-5 exit 40. Cross the Rogue River and enter the town of Gold Hill. Take Highway 234 north out of town. The boat ramp is located less than half a mile out of town on river right at Gold Rogue Sports Park at Highway 234 mile 3.0.

Alternate intermediate access for the last part of the run is available by continuing upstream on river right on Highway 234.