Upper Rogue River Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: July Through September Class II and III.

The area of the Upper Rogue River that is noted for White Water Rafting runs from Shady Cove to Gold Hill. The Rogue River runs over gravel bars and bedrock for about 30 miles of river here with numerous access points to launch your trip or take out. Most all runs can be made in 2 to 4 hours depending on how far you decide to float. Shuttle service and Whitewater Raft Rentals are available in Shady Cove and Gold Hill. Whitewater Rapids are rated class 1 to class 3, good amount of wildlife and nice scenery. Good for family fun with time left in the day for evening plans.

Middle Rogue River Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: June Through September Class II and III.

White Water Rafting in the Middle Rogue is one of the best areas for family day rafting, which are rafting excursions completed in a day or less. The Middle Rogue area runs from Gold Hill to Galice, which is about 45 miles of river. Day raft trips will run 6 to 15 miles per day.

The Middle Rogue has several Canyons, which the Rogue River funnels down to a fraction of its size. A raft trip to remember can be done in a day here. Summer water temperatures will be in the mid to low 70's with air temperatures of near 90 degrees. Marvel at Hell Gate Canyon, get wet in Dunn riffle and glide past Indian Mary Camp Ground to Taylor Creek Canyon over Ennis Riffle past Galice Creek and out at the Galice Store, the white water rafters wayside. Raft rentals and shuttle services available here.

Rogue River Canyon Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: Year around Class II to V.

Whitewater Rafting the Rogue River Canyon ranks in the top 10 of White Water Rafting vacations in the United States. People come from the world over to vacation in Southern Oregon and go whitewater rafting in the Rogue River Canyon.

The United States Congress set the Rogue River Canyon aside in 1968 as a special national treasure. Named as one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers the Rogue Canyon is something special. Today limits are placed on how many people may start into the Canyon per day. Whitewater Rafting Outfitters are highly skilled historic river users with limited start dates. Early booking is a must. Individuals may apply for permits in the lottery drawing held by the BLM. Most Rogue Canyon Whitewater Rafting trips are 2 to 4 days to make the 45-mile journey from Galice to Foster Bar or Graves Creek to Agness.

Lower Rogue River Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: June through October Class II to III

Foster Bar To Quosatana Creek Campground Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: June through October Class II to III.

A place to get away from other rafters, however there is fishing and Jet Boat traffic.

Upper Klamath River Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: June through October Class III to V.

Whitewater Rafters and kayakers are drawn to the Upper Klamath River for the scenic beauty of the canyon, to view wildlife, and enjoy the sunny, summer weather. Oh, and then there is also a bit of white water....a lot in fact! The Upper Klamath River has a lengthy use season thanks to the steady water releases from the J.C. Boyle Dam and Powerhouse. PacifiCorp, a large regional utility company, operates the dam and powerhouse project to generate hydroelectric power. Rafters and kayakers get to ride the water downstream of the powerhouse. It is technically possible to run the river year-round, but optimum rafting and kayaking weather occurs mostly from May through October. The whitewater of the Upper Klamath River are rated at class IV+ to V (Caldera and Hells Corner rapids are rated class IV+ to V, depending on water levels and who is doing the rating). These classes are considered advanced to expert on the Whitewater rafting scale of one to six. In the middle 5 miles of the Upper Klamath River, there are 19 separate rapids rated class III or higher. If you are not a seasoned river rat, there are a number of Whitewater Rafting Guides and Outfitters who offer safe, professionally guided whitewater rafting trips ranging from one to three days. These whitewater outfitters all have many years of experience and their guides are all well trained in river running and safety skills. Most Whitewater Rafting guides offer shore lunches and you might hear a good river tale or two as well.

North Umpqua River Whitewater Rafting
Season & Class: Class I to V

For Umpqua River Whitewater rafting the North Umpqua River is the place to be. The North Umpqua will challenge river-running enthusiasts, both rafters and kayakers with great white-water rapids. The river is rated from Class I to Class V rapids, ranging from mild water to moderately short, but raging rapids. Difficulty levels vary throughout the season and are dependent on water flow levels. Most rapids increase in difficulty with higher water volume, and several rapids become more difficult as the water level decreases and exposes more river rock to negotiate. Over a dozen commercial river guides are permitted by the BLM and USFS to provide river float trips to the public. Best months for Whitewater Rafting the North Umpqua River are May, June and into July, depending on weather. Later in the summer, kayakers enjoy the lower flows and thrills of the many currents of the river.

Whitewater Rafting River Classifications

CLASS I Whitewater Rafting:
Very easy. Waves small, regular; passages clear; sandbanks, artificial difficulties like bridge piers; riffles.

North Umpqua River Whitewater Rafting Class I

CLASS II Whitewater Rafting:
Easy. Rapids of medium difficulty, with passages clear and wide; low ledges.

Rogue River Canyon Whitewater Rafting Class II

CLASS III Whitewater Rafting:
Medium. Waves numerous, high; irregular rocks, eddies; rapids with passages that are clear but narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering; inspection usually needed.

North Umpqua River Whitewater Rafting Class III

CLASS IV Whitewater Rafting:
Difficult. Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; passages difficult to reconnoiter; inspection mandatory first time; powerful and precise maneuvering required.

Blossom Bar in the Rogue River Canyon Whitewater Rafting Class IV
Note: The Drift Boat Wrapped around the rock in center of Photo)

BEYOND CLASS IV Whitewater Rafting:
Generally considered un-runnable except with covered or specially equipped boats.

Rainey Falls in the Rogue River Canyon Whitewater Rafting Class V

The International Whitewater River Classification System used here indicates the various difficulties encountered on whitewater rivers. While this system is an established guide for planning a safe trip, always remember that experience, sound judgment and precautionary safety measures are very important.