Rogue

The Grave Creek put-in is located downstream river right of the Grave Creek confluence and just downstream of the high bridge where Galice Road crosses the river. This access represents the start of the wild classified section of the Wild and Scenic River where permits are required. This access is only open for day use and many groups utilize one of the launch points upstream that allow staging the day before and camping the night before launching.

Just downstream of the Grave Creek boat ramp, the main channel flows down the left side of the river. Follow the main current down the tongue.

A vertical drop formed by a ledge. Follow the main tongue left of center to avoid rocks on the right.

A wide bedrock ledge blocks the river creating a 10-12' drop. The main current flows steeply over the left side into powerful reversals (class V). Scattered boulders guard the middle and right side of the river at the top of the rapid, but a route exists through the rocks to a center chute (class IV+). A narrow and shallow fish ladder was blasted into the bedrock on the far river right side which serves as the most common route through the rapid (class III). On busy days, raft traffic can get backed up at the fish ladder. Be sure the route is clear before committing and pay careful attention to oar management to avoid breaking one. At lower flows both the center chute and fish ladder become tight for big rafts.

Named for Chinese miners who worked in the canyon, this rapid is a straightforward read and run.

A long and wide gravel bar on the left pushes the river against the right side. The channel curves back to the left, then splits around a large midstream boulder. Take care to avoid the ledge holes that form in this rapid.

The river splits around a long island and picks up speed. The preferred line is generally down the right but the left line is possible. When the channels converge the river bends to the right through the main part of the rapid.

A long, splashy rapid with multiple channels particularly as flows increase. The main current is generally straightforward down the left, but midstream rocks and shifting hydraulics reward staying alert and reading ahead.

A moderate rapid with a defined tongue leading into wave trains and scattered boulders. Clean lines are usually obvious, though higher water can push hard toward river right features.

A narrow chute formed where Howard Creek enters from river left. The current accelerates quickly, creating a fast, technical move that demands commitment once entered.

As the name suggests, options are limited. This short rapid funnels into a narrow line between exposed rocks, with little room for correction if you miss the entry.

A rhythmic series of shallow waves and small ledges that create a classic “washboard” effect. Fun and splashy, but low water can make the rock dodging more technical.

A distinctive feature shaped like a blade splitting the current. Boats must choose a side early, as the central obstruction creates strong deflection and turbulence.

A fast, constricted chute near the Windy Creek confluence. The current piles up quickly, producing powerful waves and little margin for error, especially at higher flows.

Upper Black Bar Falls is a steep drop into a big curling wave. It can be scouted from the right bank.

Lower Black Bar Falls, follows the upper drop after a short distance of calm water. The lower drop is more straightforward down the main tongue to the right of center.

A short, read-and-run riffle just downstream of Black Bar Lodge. Generally straightforward, but shallow rocks can be unforgiving at lower water levels.

The river curves to the right around a large gravel bar, then curves back to the left around a narrow gooseneck of hillside. The current pushes against the cliffs and boulders on the outside of each curve, creating waves and turbulence. Two constrictions create bigger drops.

A deep, swirling pool with strong eddies and irregular currents. The development of the actual hole depends on the flow.

A broad, shallow riffle with multiple small channels. The current is mellow, but low water requires careful line choice to avoid scraping over exposed rocks.

A dramatic and iconic rapid marked by a large boulder right of center that features a ledge drop followed by a hole. Line selection and boat control are critical.

A wide riffle that marks a transition in the river’s character. Generally easy boating, though shallow gravel bars can complicate navigation at lower flows.

Riffle and a river bar along the property was owned in the 1920s by famous western novelist, Zane Grey.

A shallow, wave-filled riffle with a couple large boulder and scattered rocks that can appear abruptly. Straightforward at most flows, but low water requires picking a clean tongue to avoid scraping.

As the name implies, this rapid is defined by large, immovable boulders that break up the flow. Expect a mix of lateral moves and splashy waves, with tighter lines at lower water.

The river splits around an island, creating multiple channels. The main route is typically obvious, but boaters should choose early to avoid being pushed into shallow or rockier side channels.

A gentle but rocky riffle with a steady current. It offers easy read-and-run boating, though exposed rocks can surprise inattentive boaters at low flows.

A pleasant, rolling riffle with small waves and a clean tongue.

A short but more technical rapid guarded by a prominent midstream rock near the top. Precise positioning is important, as the current accelerates quickly toward downstream obstacles.

The river enters a very narrow and scenic inner canyon. Interesting and challenging hydraulics are created by the current bouncing off the walls in the narrow confines.

The crux move in Mule Creek Canyon is the Coffee Pot where the bedrock walls constrict the flow creating a series of boils and surging eddy lines.

Huge boulders block the center and right side at the top of this rapid. The main current flows down the left side, straight into a 'picket fence' of boulders and sieves. You can eddy out on river right and scout from a high vantage point above the rapid. The standard move is to enter left and then cut back to the center to avoid the picket fence.

The Devils Stairs comes up quick at the end of the pool below Blossom Bar. Follow the main tongue as the river bends to the right, taking care to avoid the wall on river right.

A broad riffle with uniform wave action and mild turbulence. Lines are flexible, but shallow rocks near the edges encourage staying near the main current.

A long, playful stretch of rolling waves that builds gradually. Fun at moderate flows through the length of the riffle.

A compact rapid that requires modest maneuvering through waves and rocks. A half dozen camps upstream of this rapid on river right are pouplar for the last night on the river. Anticipate that you will be close to other groups.

These are the last rapids of any significant size before Foster Bar. Clay Hill Creek comes in on the right before the rapid. The main line is down the right channel. Stay to the left side of this channel on the main tongue. Below this rapid the geology changes from volcanic to sedimentary.

An easy riffle with small standing waves and a defined tongue. Usually straightforward, though low water exposes rocks that narrow the best line.

A mild riffle characterized by shallow water and scattered rocks. Navigation is simple, but careful reading helps avoid scraping or unexpected bumps at lower flows.

A clean, well-defined riffle marking the transition toward calmer water downstream. Generally forgiving, with smooth wave trains and clear lines through the center. The Foster Bard take-out is just around the next bend.

The take out is on river right just past the mouth of Foster Creek.  Derig on a big, wide and treeless gravel bar.