Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Recreation - Wild and Scenic Illinois River

Designated Reach: October 19, 1984. From the boundary of the Siskiyou National Forest downstream to its confluence with the Rogue River.

Classification/Mileage

• Wild: 28.7 miles
• Scenic: 17.9 miles
• Recreational: 3.8 miles
• Total: 50.4 miles

The Wild and Scenic Illinois River runs from the southeast, across the Coast Range in a northwestern direction to its confluence with the Rogue River near the community of Agness. The Wild Section of the river flows through steep canyons for nearly 29 miles between the confluence of Briggs Creek and Nancy Creek. It has 150 rapids, 11 of which are Class IV and one of which has a most difficult rating of Class V. It is one of the most inaccessible sections of wild river in the country and should only be run by highly skilled and experienced boaters.

Whitewater Rafting in the Wild Section

Permits

Permits are required year-round for all river trips on the Wild Section of the Illinois River between Briggs Creek and Nancy Creek. Permits are free of charge and available 24-hours a day at a self-issue display at the entrance to the Selma Market. The market is located at the intersection of Highway 199 and the Illinois Valley/Deer Creek Road in Selma, Oregon.

Access

From Grants Pass, take Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) to the small town of Selma. Turn right at the blinking yellow light on to County Road 5070 which becomes Forest Service road 4103. Stay on Forest Service road 4103, past Store Gulch and past the junction for the road to McCaleb Ranch all the way to the Miami Bar boat launch site before reaching Oak Flat. There is parking, a bulletin board and a vault toilet.

Season

The typical season for the Wild section of the Illinois River is March through mid-May. The weather during this time is usually cold and wet which adds to the difficulty of this river. Hypothermia is always a concern. Water temperatures are cold, and dry suits or wetsuits, plenty of fleece, polypropylene, wool and warm camp clothes are necessary.

Water Levels

Water levels can rise as much as 10 feet overnight due to rain or melting snow. Be prepared to stay an extra day or two if necessary to wait out excessively high flows. People have lost their lives in trying to run the river during these extremes times. Typically, low flows requiring technical boating skills are below 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with ideal boating levels between 1,000 and 2,500 cfs. The decision to launch should be made based on current river levels and the three-day weather forecast for rain and/or warmer weather that could melt snow and dangerously raise river levels.

Regulations for Boaters

• Maximum party size is 12.
• Campfires must be in firepans between the river and the high water mark. Fire-rings scar rocks, leave half-burnt food and trash and attract unwelcome animals and pests into camp.
• Pack out all trash, charcoal and ash.
• Pack out all human waste using a wilderness toilet system designed to meet State standards for disposal in recreational vehicle dump sites (no plastic bags).

Safe Boating

Gear: High quality, strong equipment is recommended for the rough whitewater in the Wild section of the Illinois River. Lightweight rafts or inflatable kayaks are not recommended for whitewater use. Medium-sized rafts, capable of negotiating tight places are recommended at normal and low flows. Flip lines and throw lines should be carried in every boat.

Personal Recommendations:

• Each party member should wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Safety device (life jacket) rated Type III or Type V. Carry a spare.
• Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit.
• Carry at least one spare set of oars or breakdown paddles.
• Keep other party members in sight while boating.
• Make helmets a part of your river wardrobe.

Search and rescue costs can become the responsibility of the individuals rescued. River levels on the Illinois can rise several feet in just a few hours due to rain and/or melting snow. Check weather forecasts before launching on your trip and determine your party's ability to handle higher water levels if necessary.

Summer Low Flow Rafting

It has become more popular for folks to attempt to float the Wild section later in the summer during low flow conditions. The river still remains remote and inaccessible should problems arise. Therefore safety is still a major concern. While floating can be done in a variety of craft during the summer, there will be a need to make frequent portages. Also with slower travel expect your trip to take a lot longer.

Wilderness

Almost the entire Wild section flows through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. The Illinois River Trail begins at Briggs Creek and provides access to the river at the confluence of Clear Creek via the Shorty Noble Way and at Pine Flat via the Pine Flat Trail. The remainder of the Illinois River Trail is up away from the water until it cross at the confluence of Silver Creek many miles to the west.

Recreation

The Illinois River Road (Forest Service road 4103) provides access to series of popular river related day-use and overnight camping sites. The road get a lot of traffic, and is extremely narrow and steep in places, so please drive slow and stay to the right being prepared to pull over as necessary.

Illinois Wild and Scenic River Photos