Rogue, North Fork

2. Woodruff Bridge to River Bridge (Takelma Gorge)

Reach banner
DifficultyIV+
Length4 mi
Avg Gradient38 fpm
GaugeRogue River Above Prospect, or
Reach Info Last UpdatedFebruary 26, 2026

River Description

This is a short run that presents a fun challenge for experienced paddlers through the Takelma Gorge which is a solid class IV+ sequence of rapids in a dramatic bedrock gorge.

The beginning of the run starts out as flatwater before you come to the start of the gorge at Entrance. You can get out here for a more complete scout of the gorge on river left. This is important, and easy to do by utilizing the hiking trail on river left, because logs can become lodged between the bedrock walls and large boulders in a manner that requires a portage and a portage at river level is not possible in some places. The rapids in the gorge are numbered 1 through 5. Low water can create severe sieve hazards and at high water large holes develop.


River Features

Woodruff Bridge Put-In

Distance: 0 mi
Woodruff Bridge Put-In

The put-in is north of the town of Prospect on Oregon State Highway 62. At Highway 62 mile 51.3 turn left on USFS 68 toward Woodruff Bridge. Go 1.8 miles, cross the bridge and park. Put in on the rock shelf river left underneath Woodruff Bridge. The run starts with a mile of flatwater before the class V Takelma gorge.

Takelma Gorge

Class: IV+Distance: 1.42 mi
Rapid
Takelma Gorge

A solid class IV+ sequence of rapids in a dramatic bedrock gorge.

River Bridge Take-Out

Distance: 3.8 mi
Take Out
River Bridge Take-Out

The take-out is north of Prospect on Oregon State Highway 62. At Highway 62 mile 49.1 turn left on USFS 6210 toward River Bridge Campground. Head 0.9 mile to the river and take out at the bridge.


JW
James Welch - #3

Nov 20, 2022


Jacob Cruser
Jacob Cruser

Sep 11, 2018


Takelma Gorge

Jacob Cruser
Jacob Cruser

Sep 11, 2018


Heart of the gorge.

400 cfs

Scouting the Takelma Gorge from the trail on river left.

A hike along the trail on river left offers views of Takelma Gorge.

MJ
Matt Jordan

Sep 30, 2007


There are two logs currently stuck in this rapid. One is obvious, the other is causing the diagonal pour-over. You could probably get by, but be careful.

Site visit to access sites.

Yann Crist-Evans
Yann Crist-Evans

Jan 1, 1900


Justin getting pitted in the middle line of number 3

Yann Crist-Evans
Yann Crist-Evans

Jan 1, 1900


Justin running the center line