As a local, I never take this river for granted! Every kind of wildlife imaginable that is indigenous to our area....just the peaceful sounds of the river are mesmerizing. We go down to the river at least once a week, regardless of weather or time of year. Our visitors from out-of-town (AZ) LOVED IT!
There are 2 places well worth stopping on your way to/from Crater Lake. Rogue River Gorge is a lava formation which the Rogue River churns through--it is unique. The area is well signed and has good paths/view points. Natural Bridge is just down the road where the river runs underneath some of the lava. There is a well built path and man-made bridge to the opposite side so you can explore the river and countryside.
Although not as much water flow as some other major rivers, the Rogue offers outstanding rapids, wilderness and adventure. Raft the river or hike the Rogue River Trail, you will enjoy the breathtaking grandeur and beauty .
An absolutely first-rate company, and a first-rate trip! My wife, kids (15 & 12 years old) and I rafted the wild & scenic (no roads) section of the Rogue River with Rogue River Outfitters this past July, and we couldn't have asked for better/nicer guides, or a more fun trip! Craig and Tina Hughson own the company (Craig bought it from his dad, Denny, who founded the company in 1966) and are some of the nicest people we've had the pleasure to work with. Tina prepared fabulous fresh food (a wide variety of salads, homemade cakes and cookies, etc.) and Craig and his guides cooked delectable fried chicken, french toast, eggs, bacon, etc. while we were on the river. My kids (who I think are fussy eaters) still rave about the food, and the portions were more than anyone could possibly eat.
The river is beautiful. We saw osprey, bald eagles, and very few people outside of our group. The rapids are mostly class III (one or two IVs), but the thrill factor was enhanced by the option of running them in inflatable one-person self-bailing kayaks. We also had multiple stops along the way for cliff jumping into deep calm sections of the river, a short hike up a side creek to a natural water slide, and a magical (though a bit chilly) swim/float through the narrow Mule Creek Canyon section of the river.
The camping was effortless (on our part, at least! -- some of Craig's guides had gone ahead of us with the baggage raft and set up tents with plush inflatable mattresses, lounge chairs by the river, etc.)
We would highly recommend this trip to people who enjoy beautiful scenery and chilling on a river (with white water and cliff jumping in between), but like being pampered with good food and friendly, fun guides to do the hard work.
I live 500 miles away, and drive to Shady Cove just to raft the Rogue River.
I have been rafting this river for about 20 years now. Regrettably, we only get down here every other year or so, but it sure is fun. My whole family has fond memories of this river.
This trip we used 'Raft the Rogue Raft Rentals' in Shady Cove. I recommend these guys, as you get a cooler with ice; water cannon, along with life jackets and paddles. Good guys, albeit a bit confused about their own policies.
Rafting the Rogue, usually a 2 1/2 hour venture took 4 hours this trip due to minimal water flow from this dam fed river. That said, it was a relaxing and enjoyable.
You can't beat the scenery. If you get hot, just dive right in one of the many slow stretches between the rapids.
Enjoy!
