Rogue River

The Basics

Flowing across southwestern Oregon, from the Cascade Mountains into the Pacific Ocean, the Rogue River has been a source of salmon for thousands of years, and sections of the river are popular for fishing to this day. It’s also among the most popular spots in the state for whitewater rafting. Novice rafters and those without their own equipment can raft safely with guides by joining half-day, full-day, or multi-day rafting tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring a hat to wear and reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you’re rafting.
• If you're going on a rafting trip, avoid wearing cotton, which tends to absorb water. Instead, opt for clothing made of synthetic, quick-drying materials.
• Most rafting trips are not suited to travelers with limited mobility or children under 6.

How to Get There

The Rogue River passes through much of southwestern Oregon, crossing the city of Grants Pass before making its way into the ocean at Gold Beach. Most rafting tours either depart from the Southern Oregon city of Ashland and include a shuttle up to the launch point or require visitors to head up to Merlin, about a 50-minute drive away.

When to Get There

While you can visit the Rogue River throughout the year, the best season for rafting is between late spring and early fall. As such, most rafting operators only offer tours during peak months. If you're planning to fish you'll want to come in September or October for the annual salmon and steelhead trout runs.

Oregon's Wild and Scenic Rivers

Although the Rogue is Oregon’s first designated Wild and Scenic River, it’s certainly not the only one. In fact, Oregon has more Wild and Scenic river miles than anywhere else in the lower 48 (Alaska has more). Rivers in the system include the Snake River (which borders Idaho), the Deschutes River (another popular rafting destination), and parts of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers.