The Rogue River in Grants Pass
The Rogue River runs through Grants Pass. Downstream of the city, a long stretch is protected as a National Wild and Scenic River. This page links to the agencies that manage it. It does not list outfitters or businesses.
A Wild and Scenic river
The Rogue was one of the original eight rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968. The Bureau of Land Management says the original designated segment is about 84 miles. Its Medford District administers the first 47 miles and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest administers the remaining 37, and the two manage the river together.
Two very different stretches
- Hellgate Recreation Area. This 27-mile stretch runs from the mouth of the Applegate River to Grave Creek and is popular for day trips. The BLM lists Class I and II rapids and 11 boat ramps. Commercial guides need a permit. Private boaters do not.
- The Wild Rogue. The 32.4-mile stretch from Grave Creek to Watson Creek has Class III rapids with a few Class IV. The BLM says a permit is required for private and commercial boat trips, and that float permits are competitively allocated from May 15 to October 15.
What people do on the river
The BLM lists whitewater rafting, fishing for steelhead and salmon, camping, and hiking the 40-mile Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Jet boat trips run on the river as well. The visitor bureau's Wild and Scenic Rogue page is a good place to start planning.
For fishing rules, seasons and closures, use the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Regulations change by year and by river section, so always check before you go.
Visitor center
The BLM's Smullin Visitor Center is at the Rand National Historic Site near Galice, about 25 miles northwest of Grants Pass, and has permit information.