Rogue

American Whitewater hosts an annual trip on the Rogue River that provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about our work in the region. I joined the first morning on the section from Almeda to Grave Creek in a packraft and stayed through lunch to present on our work. I then hiked out along the closed road from Grave Creek back to Almeda which took about an hour for the four mile hike. The rest of the group continued on downstream for a four-day trip. It is possible to drive down to Grave Creek and access the river (if driving in from the north) but there are barricades placed across the road at the bridge. Similarly, there are concrete barricades on the road just downstream of Almeda. Hiking or biking along the road are currently feasible. BLM anticipates this road closure will remain in place through the year as they address slope instability caused by the recent wildfire and implement mitigation measures to protect public safety. The road itself is in good condition.

The photos are of the segment from Almeda to Grave Creek.

On a road trip coming back from California with a stop at the Rogue River.

The 2017 American Whitewater trip on the Rogue River. We started at Almeda and the trip continued on down the next section (see that section for additional photos of the trip.

The O'Keefe and Janda families gathered for 3 days on the Rogue River. We tried to get a permit but were unsuccessful. The kids had just as much fun camping at Almeda County Park and doing day trips on the non-permitted section. I would highly recommend this section as a great place to spend a few days with kids learning to paddle.

The first few hours of the American Whitewater trip with Northwest Rafting from Almeda County Park down to Grave Creek. The trip continued on down from there with the rest of the photos from the trip on that river page.

From Galice resort ( or head just upstream to Carpenters Island so as to get get upper Galice Rapid in) down to either Argo or Graves Creek is a great beginner run or relaxing hot summer day float. The best time to make this run is June thru Sept. Air temps can reach into the 100's and water temps into the high 60's or low 70's. There's always enough flow and few hazards and lots of boaters of every type. Shuttles can easily be arranged through Galice resort. Bike shuttles work great too. Most of the run consists of long pools separated by class 2 & 2+ rapids with a couple of playspots in there too. (The big center wave in Argo can be a great surf wave at the some flows). I usually put-in at Carpenters Island and take-out at Graves Creek, if it's a 100 degrees out no sense in hurrying home. Plus by taking out at Graves Creek those who are so inclined can run the first two class 3's on the Canyon Run (Grave Creek Riffle & Falls) and wow their beginner friends. (climb out river left after Grave Creek Falls to the trail and hike the couple of hundred yards back above the boat launch and ferry over to it, beware of poison oak)

The Almeda Mine releases heavy metals into the Rogue River with high levels of iron, zinc, and manganese.