RV Journeys
Adventure on the Rogue River
An exhilirating journey through Oregon’s backcountry
Making a splash: The river is perfect for fast-paced boating adventures.—photo courtesy Mail Boat Hydro Jets, Gold Beach, Oregon
The Rogue River on the spectacular southern Oregon coast offers nature at its best. Nationally protected since 1968 it is one of America’s eight federally designated wild and scenic rivers. There is little access to the wild and scenic part of the Rogue—no roads, no cars, with boats being one of the only ways to experience some of Oregon’s most beautiful backcountry.
Scenery on the Rogue River is breathtaking with boiling rapids, waterfalls, still-water pools, interesting geology and an abundance of wildlife. Osprey, sea lions, bald eagles, herons, deer, otter and more entice you into their world. In the fall bears can be seen sitting on well-fed bottoms shovelling wild blackberries in their mouths with both paws. It may also be possible to see purple-mouthed people who have enjoyed the same treat.
The Rogue is known worldwide for its steelhead and salmon runs. There is year-round fishing for other species such as spring chinook, coho and summer steelies, plus fly fishing. There’s fishing for everyone during all the mild weather seasons.
History on the Rogue is fascinating—Indians called it home, former U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower met with world-wide dignitaries in a simple building on the Rogue, Zane Grey wrote some of his famous books in his cabin on the Rogue. And there’s Hathaway Jones who hauled mail to river residents in the only way possible—a boat. As he maneuvered the river on his delivery route he told tall tales. A tall tale festival is held in his honour in Gold Beach during the fall. The 191st festival will be held soon, so the festival claims! Mail is still delivered by boat during summer.
One of the most exhilarating ways to explore the wonder of the river is by jet boats that take off from Gold Beach, Oregon, where the river flows to the ocean. The powerful boats are built to navigate the strong currents and shallow riffles. No propellers or rudders extend beyond the bottom of the boat allowing for thrilling shallow water skimming and fast and wet 360-degree spins. The 1000-plus horsepower hydro jets provide a forward propulsion for the jet pumps by taking water in through the bottom of the boat, compressing it and pushing it out the stern. The powerful stream directs the boat to turn very quickly. The companies have special U.S. Forest Service permits to operate in the protected wilderness area.
You’ll skim through riffles with names like Big Fish, Nail Keg, Illahe and Burnt Riffle, past Massacre and Painted Rock and through Shasta Costa, Wildcat and Half Moon Rapids.
The boat pilots are not only highly skillful operators but very entertaining and educational. Most of them have had years of experience in this very special job and possess a vast knowledge of the history, geology, wildlife and local tall tales. They know how to spot wildlife and may quietly glide up to seals, osprey, turtles, bears and otters for an intimate view with minimum impact on the wilderness. You experience the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the river, getting in touch with the natural world as though you are part of it.
The jet boat excursions offer 64-, 80- and 104-mile rides on the legendary Rogue. The longer rides stop for a lunch break at rustic lodges. To reserve your river adventure contact the Mail Boats at 541.247.7033 or Jerry’s Jet Boats at 541.247.4571.
