Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Recreation - Wild and Scenic Rogue River (Lower)

Designated Reach: The Rogue was one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Begins 7 miles west of Grants Pass and ends 11 miles east of Gold Beach.

Classification/Mileage

• Hellgate Recreation Section - Applegate River to Grave Creek (BLM) - 27 miles
• Wild Section - Grave Creek to Mule Creek (BLM) - 19.5 miles
• Wild Section - Mule Creek to Watson Creek (USFS) - 12.9 miles
• Recreation Section - Watson Creek to Blue Jay Creek (USFS) - 10.5 miles
• Scenic Section - Blue Jay Creek to Slide Creek (USFS) - 7.5 miles
• Recreation Section - Slide Creek to Lobster Creek (USFS) - 6.6 miles
• Rogue National Wild and Scenic River Total Length - 84 miles

The Rogue River is located in southwestern Oregon and flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean. The 84 mile, Congressionally designated "National Wild and Scenic" portion of the Rogue begins 7 miles west of Grants Pass and ends 11 miles east of Gold Beach.

Steelhead and salmon fishery, challenging whitewater, and extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities have made the Rogue a national treasure. Black bear, river otter, black-tail deer, bald eagles, osprey, Chinook salmon, great blue heron, water ouzel, and Canada geese are common wildlife seen along the Rogue River. Popular activities include: whitewater rafting, fishing, jet boat tours, scenic driving, hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing.

Cutting across the Coast Range and the Rouge River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Wild and Scenic Rogue River begins near Crater Lake in the Cascade Mountains and splashes its way to the Pacific Ocean. From the Crater Lake National Park boundary downstream to Prospect, the Upper Rogue is paralleled by a major highway and tourist route from the park. Its diverse landscape includes pumice flats, deep gorges and chutes, and unique ecological systems.

The Wild Section of the (lower) Rogue River is one of the most popular whitewater runs in the world. Its popularity is heightened by a steady water level due to dams upstream, hot, sunny summer weather, and exciting whitewater rapids through lush forests and steep canyons. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest manages the Wild Section of the Rogue, 35 miles of whitewater racing through the Wild Rogue Wilderness. The Wild Section of the Rogue River is one of the most popular whitewater runs in the world. It's popularity is heightened by a steady water level due to dams upstream, hot, sunny summer weather, and exciting whitewater rapids through lush forests and steep canyons.

Permits

Due to its popularity, managers have limited access to the Wild Section of the Rogue River in order to protect the river and the Wild Rogue Wilderness from overuse. Limiting the numbers of people on the river also enhances the Wilderness experience for floaters.

Regulated Use Season Float Permits: Noncommercial permits required for floating between Grave Creek and Foster Bar from May 15 through October 15. There are several ways to obtain a noncommercial permit to float the Wild Rogue River during the "regulated use" season.

Web Resources:

• BLM web site on Rogue River (Includes PDF of "Rogue River Float Guide"): www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/index.php
• Obtain a Permit: www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/about-permits.php
• Float Space Openings: www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php
• Shuttle Routes: www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/shuttle-routes.php

Lower Rogue Wild and Scenic River Photos