The Rogue River in Oregon

Visitors to the National Wild and Scenic Rogue River are taken by this river's magnificent charm. Perhaps it stems from the Rogue's lush forests, deep green pools, sparkling waterfalls, classic rapids and rich past dotted with Native Americans, pioneer families and early whitewater boaters.

Natural History of the Rogue River

Our journey passes through several canyons of dark gray and green rock where the river's unique geology is strikingly apparent. Geologists surmise the Rogue river was already cutting it's westerly course when the coast range was uplifted. As the mountains formed, the river continued west, dropping into new cracks in the earth. In these places, such as Mule Creek Canyon, the river narrows to as little as ten feet across. Rafting this slot is a thrill!

Before the 1900s, the Rogue river was home to the Takelma and Tutuni Indian tribes. These nomadic people moved from the coast to the mountains subsisting on the river's abundant population of salmon and steelhead. Early exploration by French trappers brought conflict, and the French began calling the tribes "coquins," or rogues. The river then became known as "La Riviere aux Coquins," which was later shortened to the Rogue River. White settlement in the Rogue valley boomed after the discovery of gold in the canyon. The lower Rogue, where our trip takes place, remained wild and untamed. The lure of precious metal, though, did bring new comers. Most were hermit miners who worked along the many side creeks. Some were packers or pioneer families who made a living offering services for the miners. The gold rush put pressure on local resources and by the late 1800s the Takelma and Tutuni were gone.

Rogue River Rafting Information

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Rogue River white water river trips date back as early as the 1920s. The Rogue River was made famous by Hollywood stars and presidents who paid local guides to carry them through the canyon for fishing, sight seeing and whitewater thrills. The Rogue quickly developed a legendary reputation as one of the West's greatest adventures.

In the 1968 Congress passed the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve the nation's outstanding rivers. The Rogue was one of the eight original rivers protected by this act. Congress was merely validating what an exclusive group of adventurers already knew: that the Rogue River is a rare treasure.

Foliage and Wildlife of the Rogue River

Much of the Rogue's mysterious charm resides in it's lush surroundings. The dense forest is one of the oldest, most diverse forests in the country, where ancient forces still hold sway. Huge pine and fir trees mix with dramatic madrones, maple, mock orange and a myriad of wildflowers. The lower canyon has dozens of side creeks with fern-lined grottos and some of the most spectacular swimming holes anywhere. The entire canyon is virtually covered in a tapestry of luscious green foliage.

The Rogue wilderness is also home to abundant wildlife. Sparkling side-canyon waterfalls cascading into the river often bring wildlife close to the shores of the Rogue River. Deer are very common, as well as black bear and Osprey. Bald Eagles have recently reestablished a permanent home in the Rogue River canyon. The Rogue River has long been famous for strong salmon runs, and a patient observer can still sight one leaping the main drop at Rainie Falls or cooling off at the mouth of a side creek. A very sharp eye might spot an elusive ring-tailed cat or lone coyote.

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