Rogue

We 5 women did a lovely 4-day run, self-supported in kayaks. My goal for the trip was to discover new camps and we did, camping the 2nd and 3rd nights in sandy pockets that are not known camps. The river was no problem, and the bears were also good. In the last couple of years the problem bears seem to be gone--the remaining bears are afraid of humans like they should be. Here's hoping river runners keep up the good work: secure your food and trash, keep odors down, and aggressively chase off any bears that come near your camps.

We had another great trip on the Rogue River in 2025, with outfitting provided by Northwest Rafting Company for a four-day, three-night journey through one of the country’s most iconic Wild and Scenic rivers. Camping at Whiskey Creek, Missouri Bar, and Tacoma Main set an easy, unrushed rhythm for the trip, with days shaped by moderate Class II–III whitewater, long scenic floats through steep, forested canyons, and frequent opportunities to explore side creeks and take short hikes. Wildlife was a constant presence, highlighted by an unforgettable snake-versus-snake encounter at Missouri Bar Camp, where we watched a gopher snake and a king snake approach one another and witnessed the dramatic moment when both suddenly became aware of each other’s presence. Later in the trip, we enjoyed a fun evening watching bears across the river from Tacoma Camp; they thankfully stayed on the far bank, allowing us to observe them for nearly an hour. Participants paddled rafts, inflatable kayaks, and their own kayaks, or rode in oar boats, making the trip welcoming for both experienced river runners and those newer to whitewater, with professional guides handling logistics and safety while offering instruction as needed.

Life on the river followed a relaxed, communal pace. Days were spent running classic Rogue rapids, lingering over riverside lunches, and soaking in the solitude and wildlife that define this stretch of river. Evenings at camp revolved around shared meals, stories, and conversation, including reflections on the recent Klamath River dam removals and ongoing efforts to permanently protect the Rogue River canyon. Camping along the river fostered the strong sense of community that defines this annual trip and keeps many participants returning year after year, blending a memorable river experience with a deeper connection to river stewardship.

The 2024 American Whitewater Rogue River trip with Northwest Rafting Company was a four-day, three-night journey through one of the West’s most storied Wild and Scenic rivers. Days unfolded at a relaxed river pace, blending lively Class II–III whitewater with long scenic floats through steep, forested canyons. Participants paddled rafts, inflatable kayaks, and their own kayaks, or rode in oar boats, with professional guides handling logistics and safety while allowing everyone to choose their level of engagement. Time off the boats was spent hiking, exploring side creeks, and lingering over riverside lunches, all within the unhurried rhythm that defines this stretch of river.

Evenings brought the group together in camp for good meals and wide-ranging conversation. Discussions included the Klamath River dam removals and ongoing efforts to permanently protect the Rogue River canyon. One especially memorable moment came mid-trip, when a spectacular sun dog appeared in the sky, its bright, prismatic halo stopping everyone in their tracks. Experiences like that—paired with days on the river and the camaraderie of camp life—defined the 2024 trip and reinforced why this annual Rogue River journey continues to be such a meaningful gathering for American Whitewater supporters.

Solo packrafted part down to Horseshoe Bend, portaging left around Rainie Falls, then hiked back to Almeda over two days. Saw my first Blackburnian warbler. Learn from my experience: make sure your water filter works for this water; beaver fever is certainly present...

Grave Creek access, the primary access piont for a run on the Rogue River. Photos of the access point while in the area.

The 2019 American Whitewater Rogue River trip with Northwest Rafting Company was a classic four-day, three-night journey that quickly settled into the familiar rhythm of moving water, canyon scenery, and shared camp life. Days were spent running the Rogue’s lively Class II–III whitewater and enjoying long scenic floats through forested canyons, with participants paddling rafts and personal craft, including one couple who brought their shredder, while others rode in oar boats. Guides handled logistics and lines through the rapids, creating space for everyone to focus on the experience of traveling through one of the West’s most iconic Wild and Scenic river corridors.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip came at Missouri Bar, where Brian surprised the group by bringing his bagpipes down the river and playing in camp, the sound echoing across the river and through the canyon. The trip also included a bit of river drama at Blossom Bar, where a raft became temporarily stuck on a rock below the picket fence. No harm was done, but we lingered there for a while as the guide patiently worked the boat loose, turning the pause into another shared story. Evenings also included conversations about American Whitewater’s conservation work in the Kalmiopsis region, including efforts to protect the headwaters of the Illinois and Smith Rivers from mining and to permanently protect the Rogue River Canyon. Moments like these—equal parts music, river challenge, and shared purpose—defined the 2019 trip and remain part of its lasting lore.

We dropped off the kids for Sundance Kayak Camp and three parents set off for a relaxed two-night, three-day trip on the Rogue River. We picked up a permit for a three-person trip a couple of days earlier, which was no problem for a Tuesday launch.

We put on at Almeda and reached Grave Creek by noon on day one, where the main trip begins. From there, we took our time downstream, stopping to explore several tributaries before reaching Jenny Creek Camp around 4 pm. This is a small camp, but perfect for a kayak group, with a nice view and a good jump spot from the rocks.

We were on the water by 10 am the next morning and continued downstream, exploring several more tributaries along the way. We selected North Gleason Camp, just below Blossom Bar on river right, and were in camp shortly after 5 pm. This camp has a steep beach that tends to be passed over by rafting groups who don’t want to carry all their gear up, but it’s ideal for a small kayak group.

On our third and final day, we were on the water around 10 am and reached the Foster Bar take-out around 4 pm, with plenty of time to explore tributaries along the way, including the Tate Creek slide. That evening we made our way back to meet the kids at Almeda over Bear Camp Road, where we could see wildfires beginning to blow up in the distance.

Annual American Whitewater trip on the Rogue River with Northwest Rafting.

Upper Blossom Bar Rapid at ~1200cfs?
Oct 23, 2015

Paul Clark of SupPaul paddle boarding on the Rogue River through Blossom Bar

Photos from American Whitwater trip on the Rogue River

The left side camp site just below Kelsey Creek is a popular spot.

I'm lucky enough to live in S. Oregon so this run is in my extended backyard and I been down it around 20 times. Mostly as a spur of the moment mid week grab a couple of cancellation spots, book a room at the lodge two day kayak trip. If you can plan and act quick this is a great way to go, esp. for kayakers. I just throw in a pair of shorts, shirt, flip flops, wag bag and a lunch into the back of the boat and away we go. I've been down on many flow levels, But my favorite levels are between 3,200 to 4,000cfs on the Agness gauge. Between these parameters; the water moves thru the pools, the rapids have more push and this is to my mind the best level for playboating, you'll find some great waves scattered about down below Paradise at these flows. Below 3,000cfs, I'll bring a longer boat to ease the paddling effort thru the long slow pools. I highly recommend hiking up to the waterslide on Tate Ck....it's tons of fun! Blossom is a pretty easy move but don't underestimate it and get yourself in a class 4 frame of mind when running it .

Pictures of Blossom Bar taken from boulders at the top center of the rapid and from river left. At low flows it is easy for a kayaker or two to get out of their boat in the cluster of boulders at the top center of the rapid. From that viewpoint it was possible to see take out eddies on the left in the entrance rapid and also halfway down the rapid. The left side vantage offers a much better view of the rapid than from the right, so made for good picture taking.

At 1500cfs The Fishladder sneak (Rainey Falls) is a boney but easy III. Big rafts will get stuck a lot, you can still line dories easily. Tyee is an easy III (not a IV), and Blossom is a III+ with a must make move to avoid the Picket Fence. We did it in 3 days, I would highly recommend 5 days unless you like to row flatwater a whole lot.

Rainie can be run one of three ways. There are class III, IV, and V options.

The header info for this reach says Class II-III. The text describes Rainie as a V and Blossom Bar as a IV. I think Blossom is a III+ and Rainie is a IV+. Either way, the header info (II-III) is incorrect. -ah

The river carves a tight horseshoe bend curve with a
class III rapid lead in and a massive bar that creates
one of the largest campsites on the river.

A beautiful canyon section on the Rogue.
Zane Grey's cabin on the Rogue River.
The Narrows marks the entrance to Mule Creek
Canyon.
The Rogue squeezes through a narrow constriction
in Mule Creek Canyon where the turbulent currents
create the 'coffepot'.

Blossom Bar is the most technical rapid on the run as
you must weave through a boulder garden. Start left
and then cut back to the center and then work your
way through the boulders the rest of the way down.

Looking upstream at Rainie Falls. The three routes
are visible. If you are up for the challenge you can
scout the main falls from river left and pick your
line. You can take the center chute which is a
sneak around the main falls around the right of the
bedrock island adjacent to the falls. The final
option is to go far right down the fish ladder.
Portaging down the fish ladder on river right at
Rainie Falls.
View looking downstream at Rainie Falls.
Salmon leaping at Rainie Falls.
Running Rainie Falls.

Fall trip on the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue.

The Grave Creek access is the end of the road and
the start of the wilderness run on the Rogue River.

Big Freaking Hole.

Not sure about the exact date. Pretty close though.