Overview

Consistently regarded as one of the top 5 rafting trips in the country, this is the perfect vacation for families or adventurers who value a hot shower and a bed after their day running world famous white water.  The ability to float lodge to lodge on a “Wild and Scenic” river is just one of the many unique characteristics which separate rafting on the Rogue River from anywhere else.  Spectacular wildlife including bears, deer, eagles, and otters, along with world class technical whitewater and plenty of thrilling history, make a few days in the canyon a truly unique all around experience. Trips down the remote gorge become the getaway with your spouse, time with your kids, or exciting vacation with friends you talk about for years.

On this wilderness trip, spend three or four days learning to paddle through numerous class II and III+ rapids, such as Grave Creek Falls, Tyee, Wildcat and the Coffee Pot. After days paddling and riding waves on the river, nights are in two or three pristine wilderness lodges, complete with a hot shower and a comfortable bed. We offer this trip in both a 3-day, 2-night option and a 4-day, 3 night option.  On our 4-day trip we spend an extra day in the lower canyon exploring side creeks for waterfalls and swimming holes while staying one extra night.  If you want to truly experience the full Rogue River try our new 4-day trip.

Who is this trip for: Families and those who love nature but like a hot shower and soft bed. Really, this is a perfect trip for anyone!


Highlights

  • Great for families!
  • Includes food and beverages (including local wine and micro-brew beer).
  • Stays at two separate backcountry lodges
  • Choices of inflatable kayaking, paddle rafting or riding an oared raft.
  • Our staff on the Rogue is one of the most seasoned staffs on the river.
  • LOTS of wildlife.  We see bears on most trips.

Location

Merlin, Oregon

Packing List- River

  • 2 swimsuits or shorts and top (cotton not recommended)
  • Sports sandals or hard-soled wetsuit booties (ideally something that does not come off when swimming)
  • Synthetic paddling gloves (only if kayaking and even then not required but they do help with blisters) - Available at our shop
  • Wide rimmed hat or ball cap (ball cap fits well under helmet) - Available at our shop
  • Polypro, synthetic or hydro-skin shirt (nice for mornings and chilly days - not required but can be comfortable) - Available at our shop
  • Water Bottle with carabiner (1 liter) - Available at our shop
  • Waterproof sunscreen - Available at our shop
  • Sunglasses with croakies or chums strap (consider bringing two pairs)

Packing List- At the Lodges

  • 1 pair pants
  • 1 pair shorts
  • 2 shirts
  • Fleece jacket or sweatshirt
  • Insect repellent - Available at our shop
  • Personal items (medications, hygiene; keep personal grooming items to a minimum)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera with memory cards and batteries
  • Fishing equipment and valid state fishing license (Not lots of time to fish, but can be fun in the morning and evening at the lodges, especially in later August)

Travel Information

The closest commercial airport is in Medford, Oregon (airport code MFR), 34 miles southeast of our shop in Merlin. In the Medford Airport there are four car rental companies (Budget, Avis, National, Enterprise, and Hertz). At this time we do not offer transportation to or from the airport, but we can pickup and drop off at any Grants Pass Hotel the morning of a trip and at the conclusion of a trip. If you plan to not rent a car, you can call Double D Shuttles at 541-476-7773 and hire them to transport you from the Medford Airport to a Grants Pass Hotel. Please note: Our trips return too late in the day for us to ensure you will make a flight out of Medford same day. We suggest making reservations for the next day after the trip concludes.

Recommended Hotels in Grants Pass
Redwood Motel -  https://redwoodmotel.com/ - Recommended
Riverside Inn -http://www.riverside-inn.com/