Has anyone done a boat trip on the Rogue in the Gold Beach area, OTHER than jet boats? Kayaking, etc?

As far as the jet boats go, I know some have recommended taking the *longer* trip on the Rogue, for the excitement of it. Would like to ask....is this the excitement of going *faster* ...hitting some mini-rapids, etc.? Or, did you actually see more beauty & wildlife, the further you went?

Or, wildlife-wise, was it as good, in the earlier part of the trip? (I know wildlife is always a hit-or-miss thing...just wondering if that's why you recommend the longer trip, or if it was more for the speed of it all.)

Trying to decide whether to allocate a full day to something like this...esp in May, when the weather could be iffy. They only offer morning departures in May, which would mean cooler temp's. (summer they have afternoon departures too)

Also, company-wise...anybody want to vote for one versus another? Have seen several postings for Jerry's. Any for the other, Mail Boat Trips? Appreciate all the help you lent me on the other thread!! Just probing this element a bit more... Thanks!

It's me again! The Rogue offers many different boat options. Since I know you are coming from Gold Beach they are probably more limited. I'll describe it going UP river from the ocean. Near the mouth and several miles upstream any type of boat works. We saw many people in little motor boats (not jet) fishing for salmon (yum!), I suppose even a row boat would work but be lots of work! It is probably possible to rent something. Further up stream it becomes a National Scenic Area. There are many laws regarding licensing etc to be in this area of the river. There are many companies that offer rafting and inflatable and regular kayaking trips. Most of them start at the other end of the river - Grants Pass/Medford. Some offer a few hours to a few days - all strictly controlled by the licenses.

So perhaps it might be an option to come up I5 to Grants Pass and try one of those types of tours then cross over at Coquille to Bandon and go up the coast from there.

The Rogue is a wild river, I don't think it has any dams, so the water is fast and strong. On one of our trips we rescued a capsized raft (the people were fine but shaky) but without the jet boat pulling their raft out, they would have been in serious trouble - they had a guide. It is dangerous and knowing there is a neck issue this may be risky but I am sure there are more peaceful areas.

As for wildlife, the deer are everywhere (not exciting), the eagles would be viewable on a shorter trip and you could definately see elk at St. Helens.

The excitement comes from the speed and from the challenge of navigating through the narrow channels and canyons. It is a beautiful river - can't wait to raft it some time. The spins are lots of fun though wet! Yes there are also mini-rapids. I think it got prettier the further up river we got - no houses, wilder, more dramatic but probably you would get a good sense of that on the other trips. I guess the short answer is yes it was more 'exciting' because of the speed, challenge and spins, but it was also very pretty.

Also read Zane Gray's Rogue book - will get you in the mood. He lived on the river for a time.

I've only done the jet boats there and have mixed feelings. A part of me thinks that something about zooming mechanically through all that beautiful scenery defeats the purpose of "being at one with nature", but I have to admit it was an awful lot of fun. Some day I'd like to go back and do one of the three or four night raft trips down the river with camping or lodge stays at night -- sounds wonderful.

Thank you for the additional info, Sara! And, yes, the mechanical & noise aspects *are* a big issue for us, too, Patrick.(For example, we'd never take ORV's on the dunes, etc.)

Prefer the quiet & serenity of nature... Like to *keep* it that way for wildlife (& other people) too, so would rather not add much noise into the mix.

Everyone says it's not to be missed! Wish there were float trips in this section...so peaceful. But sounds like this river flows too powerfully here for that. Have taken a float trip near the Tetons & done some rafting. But, this trip, we won't be near the other end of the Rogue, where they start rafting trips.... Thanks again for all your suggestions, Sara! Will give it more thought. - Rosemary

I saw the Rogue River once driving from Portland, OR, to San Francisco. This is one raft trip that is only my list to do one time or another. If you do it, please post a trip report.

The Rogue River area is just spectacular. I got very diverted going inland along the river and delayed in reaching San Francisco.

I think either of the standard "jet boat" trips make a great trip. While there are always tradeoffs about letting people enjoy a place vs the impact of their visits, that section of river gets to be seen and enjoyed by many. I'm kind of against the longer trips, it pushes the frequent power boats that much farther up the river.

Thanks for more input. Books all rave about these boat trips...most esp. the longer ones. But, we're concerned about the impact on the ecosystem there. Will ponder some more...