Oregon – 4-Day Rogue River Rafting Trip, Lodge-to-Lodge with ROW Adventures
“It’s like a rafting trip with training wheels… or outdoor luxury, depending on your level of experience,” I attempted to describe the lodge-to-lodge Rogue River rafting trip to a friend. As an avid hiker and intermediate backpacker, with one raft trip under my belt, it felt more like a luxury outdoors trip. BUT this was also my first paddle trip, which was a fantastic introduction to multiple days of paddling. The trip down the Rogue was like easing into a hot tub of adventure. I “warmed” up to rock jumping and became a more confident paddler, each day building on the next. We hiked, explored, learned, paddled, and escaped from daily life, but with the relaxation of the shower and comfy bed each evening. Even with exciting whitewater and daily adventures, I was at ease on the Rogue.
For this Rogue River rafting trip, I went with ROW Adventures. I chose this company for their:
- Long history and experience in commercial rafting.
- Partnerships with National Parks/Forest Service/Public Lands.
- Historical education around the native land.
In person, I couldn’t have asked for a better trip leader or trip organization. The logistics were flawless, the lodges were welcoming, and the river was exciting. If you’re nervous about going on a multi-day outdoor adventure, this was the perfect mix of new challenging experiences and comfort. This post is my day-by-day breakdown of the trip with additional thoughts about the boats, river, and group.
In addition to the following breakdown, I pulled out a few different topics that I felt needed more space. Check out these posts before you head out on your rafting trip:
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Day 0: Getting Ready to Rogue
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little nervous before the Rogue River rafting trip. Even though I had gone on a rafting trip before, I wasn’t sure what to expect – what would the whitewater be like? What was the group going to be like? Was I bringing the right gear? The group and guides met at Morrison’s Lodge on an expansive lawn for a pre-trip meeting, with the Rouge River in the distance. During the meeting, our trip leader reviewed all necessary details with information about what to expect for our first day. I immediately felt at ease because the rhythm of the trip sounded similar to my previous rafting trip (I’m considering doing a “rhythm of a rafting trip” post – interested? Let me know!)
At the pre-trip meeting, we did a couple essential things, including picking up our dry bags, meeting fellow guests, becoming familiar with the guides, and purchasing ROW Adventures souvenirs. We took our dry bags back to our rooms to pack our gear. This included a larger “checked bag” that we wouldn’t have access to on the boats and a smaller “carry-on bag” that included anything needed throughout the day. I eliminated any extra items and saw how everything fit into the checked bag.
We also met the guide team:
- Trip Leader: Tommy
- Trip Guides: Mariah, Matt, and Aubrey
Seeing/Experiencing the Rogue for the First Time
After the meeting, I wanted to see more of the Rogue River, so I went to the Hellgate Canyon Scenic Viewpoint and to the pullout next to the Galice Road-Rogue River Yellow Bridge (how it’s listed on Google Maps). At the Yellow Bridge, I felt the Rogue River for the first time. It was cool but warmer than expected – a perfect temperature for a hot day! The sun started to dip below the canyon walls, and it was nice to have a sunset moment on the river – my home for the next few days.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars; what a phenomenal way to be introduced to multi-day rafting.
- Intensity: There is a fair amount of physicality – paddling, getting in and out of the boats, walking up uneven terrain to the lodges, and small hikes throughout the day – but I wouldn’t say it was challenging. Just physical.
- Location: Rogue River, Oregon
- Cost: $1,460 for 3 nights, $1,690 for 4 nights (I recommend 4 nights to not feel rushed!)
- Single Supplement: Due to the lodges, there is a single supplement of $500 for 3-day Rogue River rafting adventures and $600 for 4-day adventures. However, ROW Adventures will try to pair you up with someone of the same gender if possible.
- Timing: 4 days, 3 nights… in LODGES (amazing)
- Company: ROW Adventures
Highlights:
- Trying out paddling and experiencing whitewater on the different boats – paddle boat, oar boat, and an inflatable kayak
- Enjoying the natural scenery of southwest Oregon – evergreen trees, hanging moss, undulating hillsides, and clear greenish water
- Rock jumping into the river or refreshing swim
- Stops at historic locations
- Staying at the charming historic lodges en route for a shower and bed each night, family-style meals, and coffee in a ceramic mug each morning.
Included with the Rogue River Rafting Trip:
- All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, and an alcoholic drink at night
- Two dry bags to use on the trip – one checked baggage size, one for your day pack
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides
- Roundtrip transportation from Morrison’s Lodge
Day 0: Tips, Tricks, and Takeaways – Rogue River
- Book at the Morrison Lodge early to get a reasonable rate. If you want to eat dinner here, it is by reservation only. The grounds at Morrisons are beautiful.
- Pay attention to the temperature the night before and check the weather for upcoming days so you can be sure to pack what you need for a Rogue River rafting trip.
- Review my packing list to ensure you have the essentials!
- Take time to pack your dry bags – once I was at Morrison’s Lodge, I realized it was going to be plenty warm each day/night, and I removed a few cold-weather items.
- Bring cash!! For tips at the lodges (ROW Adventures recommends $5/night per person) and ROW Adventure souvenirs. I bought a cool shirt that has the Rogue Route with rapids and lodges listed.
Day 1: Paddles in the Water – Rainie Falls, Whiskey Creek, and First Rapids
Our meetup time was about 8 am, which still felt early. I had the first-day jitters/excitement and immediately began getting to know the other people in my group. We took a Morrison’s lodge shuttle to our launch site at Argo Bar, about 15 mins downstream.
While the three guides loaded and prepped the boats, the fourth guide got us ready for Rogue River rafting with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) fitting and paddling introduction. You’ll be wearing your PFD constantly, so it’s essential to have a snug fit. Then we were introduced to paddling and what to do if you have an out-of-boat experience. By the time we finished our paddling introduction, the boats were ready. Before loading up, our trip leader had us gather around with our feet in the river. We took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the Rogue River, which made me recognize how lucky I was to embark on this journey. With my toes submerged, I acknowledged that the water temperature was perfect for our trip!
For our group of 15ish guests, we had four boats from which the guest chose each day. This included two oar gear boats and two paddle boats, one slightly smaller than the other. Guests would not paddle on the oar boats. Since I wanted to see what it was like to paddle, I opted for the smaller paddle boat for the first day. With each guest in a seat, we launched into the river.
Paddles in the Water, Rainie Falls, Whiskey Creek Hike
The first section was mostly calm, with a few riffles, where we practiced paddling. Initially, we didn’t do anything fancy – just paddling forward and stopping. Each riffle and rapid was loud and exciting, followed by quiet moments of downtime. We went under a bridge that marks Mile 0 and the start of the Wild Section of Rogue River. Our first Class III rapids were right after – Grave Creek Riffle and Grave Creek Falls. It was wild, exciting, and over before I knew it. Oh, what fun.
It wasn’t long before we encountered the infamous Rainie Falls, a Class V rapid, which we hiked around. While on land, our trip leader pointed out poison oak and discussed how water acts in a rapid and what a handful of different water features were called. It was a great conversation at the beginning of our trip that we then referenced during the rest of our time together. We got to watch the guides take the empty rafts down a bumpy side rapid called the Fish Ladder.
We debarked again to take a short hike up Whiskey Creek Cabin, the oldest surviving mining cabin in the Rogue River Valley. The cabin was built by miners in 1880 and was last inhabited by Lou Reuben Martin from 1957 to 1973. Lou utilized the existing two-bedroom house and flume to continue hydraulic mining in the area. He also added comfort features, such as a solar shower, cool pantry, and cable car to haul firewood over Whisky Creek. We walked through the rooms and giggled at the 50s, 60s, and 70s cans left behind when the cabin was sold to the Bureau of Land Management.
Lunch & Bigger Rapids
And this was all before lunch!!! I definitely worked up an appetite as we floated down to our lunch spot, where I had a weighty burrito from the taco salad bar (my favorite lunch of the trip). The guides led us through a name game to help everyone remember each other’s names. The silly game helped!!
After lunch, we had the thrills of Class III rapids like Tyee, Wildcat, and Upper Black Bar. We stopped at side streams and a rock jumping spot. I was busy easing into a day on the river and wasn’t quite ready to join in the rock jumping. Our trip guides knew all the cool spots and features to check out, depending on the water level, timing, and group.
Black Bar Lodge
Around 3:30 pm, we pulled over to a rock area. It was unremarkable, except for a few ropes leading down to the water. Surprisingly, we arrived at our first historic lodge – Black Bar. We climbed up the rocky bank and walked up the road to a beautiful rustic log cabin. This is where we met the caretaker, who gave us our room assignments, offered cookies with lemonade, and let us know when hors d’oeuvres and dinner would be ready. She also reminded us that the generator turns off from 10 pm to 7 am each night. After a full day on the river, hearty family-style dinner with special vegetarian enchiladas, and socializing with the group, I had trouble staying awake past 9 pm!
Speaking of this historic Black Bar Lodge, I was struck by how charming and rustic each of the lodges was on the Rogue River. I wrote a blog post for ROW Adventures about the history and special features of each lodge for their website, but I encourage you to check it out:
Day 1: Tips, Tricks, and Takeaways
- Wear and reapply sunscreen more often than you think on a Rogue River rafting trip. Like almost every time you get out of the water. Especially the tops of your hands and thighs, which get the most direct sun.
- The first day of a river trip can be tricky as everyone is nervous and outside their comfort zone. I try to chat with everyone on the first day to see who I enjoy being around the most.
- Don’t feel obligated or necessary to partake in every activity on the first day. Although I enjoy rock jumping, I wasn’t ready on the first day or always in the mood to be fully soaked. Take each moment individually and decide what’s best for you.
- Utilize downtime at the lodges to recover in whatever way is best for you. That might be by showering, taking a quick cat nap, or partaking in happy hour. For me, I needed some alone time and went back down to the river after changing into dry clothes for additional photos and to take in the views. I needed time to process the day on my own. Then I returned, ready to snack on appetizers or jump into dinner.
Day 2: Getting in the Groove – Boat Movement, Zane Grey Cabin, Rogue River Ranch
Waking up at Black Bar Lodge, I tried to switch on the light, but nothing happened. I forgot that there was no power until 7 am! There was enough morning light to rustle clothes together to explore. The deer with their fawns nibbled under the trees around as I went down the river, which is extra peaceful in the early morning. By the time I returned, coffee was ready. I watched the sun light up the canyon walls with my ceramic coffee mug. Breakfast at Black Bar was hearty and served family style, and I particularly enjoyed the hashbrowns and biscuits with jam.
After breakfast, we gathered around for a discussion about the Rough Skinned Newts that lived in the spring at Black Bar Lodge. While being toxic to humans and predators, I have to say, they were also adorable!
We headed to the boats for an introduction to the inflatable kayaks or “duckys,” including how best to paddle and go where you want to go. While it sounded fun, I was in the mood to relax on the second morning and opted for an oar boat. The oar boats transported luggage and gear, with seats for 1 – 4 guests. Guests did not need to paddle on the oar boat, so I simply sat and took in the views of the Rouge River. I was pretty focused on paddling on the paddle boats, so it was nice to focus on the scenery instead. Plus, I was on the last boat and watched everyone in the inflatable kayaks. It was a delight!
Zane Grey Cabin, Lunch, and Rock Jumping in Mule Creek
In the late morning, we reached Winkle Bar and climbed the hill to Zane Grey’s Cabin. Zane Grey was a dentist turned famous western novelist. He fell in love with the Rogue River in the 1920s for its pristine nature and abundant fishing opportunities. He incorporated the river in “Rogue River Feud,” “Shooting the Rogue,” and “Tales of Freshwater Fishing.” When visiting, our river guide read from the first chapter of “Rogue River Feud,” which describes the area in such vivid detail that it helped make the Rogue River a desirable destination. It drew visitors to the point that Zane Grey moved to somewhere quiet… and he made sure not to write about it!!
After the cabin, we had tuna/chicken/veggie salad wraps for lunch next to Missouri Creek. Each side stream we encountered was noticeably colder than the Rogue River.
In the afternoon, we reached the Rogue River Ranch. An important historical location, the flat shelf of land has been inhabited for over 9,000 years by Native Americans. The Takelma-speaking people and Athabascan-speaking people shared the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering while living along the Rogue. In the late 1800s, gold miners began making claims to the land. The site evolved into a gold mining community called Marial with up to 100 residents, a ranch structure, a trading post with lodging, a blacksmith’s shop, and a bar. We explored the museum on the property and then hiked down to Mule Creek, which featured an absolutely stunning rock jump location with vibrant blue waters. I was finally ready to jump and took the plunge. The adrenaline and cold water were a great way to wake up on a warm afternoon!!
Surfing a Rapid & Marial Lodge
After lunch, I picked up a paddle again to let others enjoy the serenity of the oar boat. It was fun to boat-hop throughout the day and great timing because after the Rogue River Ranch, the paddle boats tried to “surf” a rapid. It took three separate tries of fierce paddling, but Tommy (trip lead) got us to a point in the river where the rapid held us in place while facing upstream. Periodically, the front of the boat dipped down, water streamed over the bow, and I squealed in surprise and delight. It was wild.
It’s only a short distance from the Rogue River Ranch to Marial Lodge. Again, if we didn’t stop at the stairs, I would have easily missed them and not known a lodge was even there. It’s a bit of a climb on a narrow path through lush vegetation, but then you’ll see the beautiful deck and lodge. Like the first night, we were told the timing of hors d’oeuvres and dinner with our room assignments. I snuck back down to the river after changing to reflect on the day’s experiences.
Dinner was memorable due to Marial Lodge’s DOUBLE lazy susans. You could grab roasted veggies from the second level while the top tier spun. Also remarkable was the creek that runs under one of the rooms. It wasn’t my room, but I still enjoyed seeing it. After dinner, we had the option to get our hair beaded or paint our toenails. Of course, I did both (adding glitter to my already painted toes), and all genders participated – what fun! I fell asleep early with a smile this evening.
Day 2: Tips, Tricks, and Takeaways
- Try out the different boats, while on a Rogue River rafting trip! I felt like a pampered princess on the oar boat and soaked in the views without worrying about paddling. But I also preferred to go through the bigger rapids on a paddle boat and really be *with* the river. Even though I didn’t try out the inflatable kayak on this first day, I was pleased that they continually mixed people up.
- Jump in when you’re ready. On the second day, I was prepared to participate in rock jumping. What a thrill! After that, you couldn’t stop me, and we did another jump at the Rogue River Ranch, where we floated back down to the boats. It will definitely wake you up, if you’re feeling drowsy in the warm afternoons. I recommend trying rock jumping at least once.
- Bring your deodorant with you in the day pack. With swimming, paddling, rock jumping, hiking, and holding onto the boat, you may need to reapply mid-day.
- For anyone with long hair, I recommend braids! This way, my hair wasn’t a mess even though I was in and out of the water throughout the day.
Day 3: Inspiration and Big Rapids
Another delicious breakfast at the lodge helped prepare us for the day, including a hike and big rapids. I was excited because hiking is well within my comfort zone, and we also got to taste the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. At the single-track location, views opened up, and we were on a ledge above the river. We snacked on the trail-side blackberry bushes and looked down to Coffee Pot Rapid. Then, after one particular bend in the trail, we looked across the river to see a multi-tiered waterfall: Stair Creek Falls. We had made it to Inspiration Point! And I was inspired by the view. (But not by the name, since I’ve already been to an Inspiration Point in Yosemite and on the Channel Islands!)
We also saw our upcoming rapids from a bird’s eye view, so when we loaded the boats, we had an idea of the next section of river – a narrow channel of dark rocks with bubbling rapids and eddies. Aptly named “Narrows” and “Coffee Pot” rapids, it was so narrow that our guide had to pull in the oars! Instead, she relied on our paddle team and used a smaller paddle to steer. Our guide called out instructions, and we went through the Narrows and Coffee Pot with aplomb. Seriously, our river guide made it look easy.
We made a hard left around a corner, and guess what was right in front of us — Stair Creek Falls! I didn’t expect to see it from above and then below. The water was chilly but a worthy stop for photos. Afterward, we had slower-moving water in a gorgeous section of the river before reaching the most famed and feared rapid of the river: Blossom Bar.
Blossom Bar
Blossom Bar was and still is a boulder garden. Before the early 1900s, it required a portage until Glen Woolridge cleared a path with dynamite. Many boulders remain, making this one of the trickiest rapids with “must-do” moves. We pulled over on river right to scout Blossom Bar and chose a route based on current conditions. From this vantage, we saw the different entrance lines and the magnificent wave-shaped rock. Our guides introduced us to WORMS (water-obstacles-route-markers-safety), an acronym for reading the river and choosing a route through the rapid. Using Blossom Bar to talk through WORMS, I understood our desired route much better.
My paddle boat went first and stopped halfway through the rapid in an eddy to serve as the safety/photo boat. To get to the halfway point, we needed to do a couple quick zig-zags around rocks. We had a well-coordinated group, but it was still a little nerve-wracking as we entered the rapid. We zigged one way, paddling furiously. Then zagged the other way, furiously paddling again. With that, we made it.
Our guide got us to a place where she held steady to a rock, and we paddled backward or forward periodically to keep the boat straight. We watched the other boats make the moves down Blossom Bar, and each remained upright, even as they got momentarily stuck on Picnic Rock (famously, a flat rock where boats get stopped). Everyone made it safely through Blossom Bar.
Swimming a Rapid & Lunch
Immediately after the excitement of Blossom Bar, our guide asked, “Who wants to swim through a rapid?” We hadn’t even had a chance to debrief or congratulate each other!! But I was totally game. Our guide reminded us to stay in the defensive swimming position and to breathe at the top of each wave before we jumped in the water and stayed at the center of the wave train. I was nervous but felt invincible after Narrows, Coffee Pot, and Blossom Bar.
Most of my boat opted to float the rapid, and it was hilarious to see our bobbing heads in the water. The water moved me quickly into the first wave, and I felt the water lift me to the wave’s crest, like in the ocean. At the bottom of the wave, I was splashed in the face and realized that was why our guide told us to breathe at the top. Ohhhh! Up again, I squealed in joy and rode the subsequent waves. The waves mellowed out, and everyone laughed at the experience. Swimming a safe rapid was the exact kind of experience I looked for: little skill required and a whole lot of fun!
We swam/floated down to the lunch spot, where our guides set up a deli sandwich bar with homemade bread from Marial Lodge. This was our hottest lunch spot, so we huddled under the temporary shade to get out of the sun. There were jumping rocks from the lunch spot, which made for a quick way to cool off.
Half Moon Bar Lodge
We only traveled about four river miles on day three, but they were the most exciting rapids of the trip. It felt like a full day when we pulled up to the dock at Half Moon Bar Lodge. The lodge is called Half Moon Bar because the river wraps around the shelf on three sides… like a half moon! We climbed the stairs and watched in amazement as a tram lifted our luggage.
A few minutes later, the owner came to introduce himself and walked us up to the main lodge, with massive lawns, a mister porch, an expansive garden, and an airstrip to wander around. We got our room assignments, and I was so impressed with the soft mattress and modern bathrooms that I had to try out the rain head shower. Delightful. Afterward, I took a stroll around the property. With established fruit trees, rows of fruits, veggies, leafy greens, and edible flowers, the word “garden” is an understatement.
I would have never suspected this on a rafting trip, but this dinner was the best meal I’ve had in a LONG time. Served family style, the french-trained chef brought out one intricate, multi-flavored dish after the next, beautifully garnished with edible flowers from the garden. After dinner, the owner invited us to partake in a tradition of walking out to the end of the airstrip while he regaled us with stories from the property’s history. We returned to a light and airy angel food cake dessert and stargazed until as late as we could stand it. What an incredible final night of our trip.
Day 3: Tips, Tricks, and Takeaways
- If given the option to do a side hike, always do it (assuming you have the physical ability)! Every hike I’ve done on a river trip was totally worthwhile and way more accessible from a river trip than trying to go back and do it separately.
- Drink water! It’s easy to forget when you’re splashed by rapids, but it’s imperative to ensure proper hydration. Bring a Nalgene and drink through at least one or two bottles each day.
- Celebrate teamwork!! With the big rapids of Day 3, not only did we need to work together to make it through, but it was also more fun. Complement, support, and enjoy the company of your paddle raft – it’s one of the best parts of a Rogue River rafting trip.
- Get phone numbers and exchange pictures on the last evening. Day 4 will fly by, so try to airdrop cute photos (it doesn’t need wifi) or get phone numbers in the afternoon during happy hour or evening. It’s much easier to do it at a lodge than next to the river when you’re trying to have lunch or say goodbye.
Day 4: Inflatable Kayak & Goodbye to the Rogue
Breakfast, as you might imagine, was delectable. This time I exercised much better portion control to try everything without making myself miserable. And it was all tasty! The fresh melons from the gardens were so SO good. While the guides loaded the boats, we chatted about trees, learning about the xylem and phloem. I was a little distracted during the tree discussion because I had volunteered for the inflatable kayak. I knew I wanted to try the inflatable kayak before the trip ended and had finally worked up the courage. Since I’ve kayaked many times in my life, I was more nervous that my arms would give out mid-rapid!
Time to Ducky
After loading up with a helmet and a refresher on what to do, it was time to paddle. Tommy, the trip leader, stayed in front of us and told us how to approach each rapid. Directions sounded a little like this, “Can you hear me? Okay, coming up, it’s best to enter the rapid slightly on river left. The river bends right, so paddle hard to stay away from the big rock. This is the line I will take. Watch out for the eddy on river right after the rapid.” It felt like a lot of instructions at once, but it was SO HELPFUL. The inflatable kayak was an up-close-and-personal experience with the river — I felt the power and movement of the water!!
I went through two bending rapids, including Half Moon Riffle – a Class II Rapid – I’m very proud. Then I paddled through Huggins Canyon, which was a nice change of pace. At the end of Huggins Canyon, I was toasted. My arms were tired, and I was ready to return to the paddle boat. The inflatable kayak was super fun, but I was so focused on paddling that I didn’t notice much else happening in the canyon. It also made me appreciate the guides for reading the river and safely navigating it. And a final note about the inflatable kayak is that my arms were sore later that night, which was not the case on the other days. Despite the soreness, I think everyone should try the inflatable kayaks.
Toast to the River & Take out at Foster Bar
Different group members switched out of the inflatable kayaks throughout the day to give everyone a chance. We stopped for lunch and had Greek deli sammies. After lunch, we gathered in the river for a final toast. We each talked about what we appreciated most about the river trip and sipped celebratory champagne. It was sweet to hear what everyone had to say and a heartfelt way to say goodbye to the Rogue.
During the last few miles of the river, I tried to take in the scenery of the beautiful river canyon. I loved every moment and was sad to leave. Watson Riffle marked the end of the Wild Section of the river, and we then entered the Recreation Section of the river, where you might see more development and a road that follows the river.
We got to Foster Bar, and it was scorching. It had to be in the high 90s or low 100s when we got to the take-out, and it was chaos. Guests changed out of their wet clothes, bags were unloaded, goodbyes were said, and tips were given to the guides. It wasn’t particularly busy at Foster Bar, but it was hot, and everyone was eager to get in the van. I’m stoked we made the goodbye toast after lunch with everything going on. The drive back to Morrison’s Lodge was a full 2-hours through mountain terrain. There were a few good views, but I also had trouble keeping my eyes open in the quiet van. We returned to our cars safely, and everyone went in their separate directions. My drive took me across the yellow bridge, and I rolled down my windows to wave goodbye to the majestic Rogue River.
Day 4: Tips, Tricks, and Takeaways
- In the morning, pack your guide’s tip and a dry set of clothes into your “carry-on” day dry bag, so you can have easy access to it at Foster Bar.
- Depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going next, it might be nice to stay another night at Morrison’s Lodge before continuing on your journey. I was pretty beat after paddling and being in the sun throughout the day.
Group Dynamics / Choosing a Boat Each Day
For this Rogue River Rafting Trip with ROW Adventures, we had a great group. Everyone was excited to be there, open to new experiences, and patient and understanding with each other. We encouraged and rooted for each other when rock jumping, trying the inflatable kayaks, and going through challenging rapids. I felt supported by the group, even while being solo. While everyone in the group was lovely, I think our guides modeled the way and created an environment in which the best in people could thrive.
What affected my experience more was which boat I was on, which we got to choose each day. On days 2 and 4, we also had the option to go in an inflatable kayak. Once those kayaks were out, our boats were constantly mixed up as people tried out the kayaks and exchanged spots with whoever went in the kayak next. I loved the movement because I got to try out different boats and our mini-groups kept changing. It was fun in the paddle boats during the bigger rapids, the oar boats when I wanted to relax or take in the scenery, and the inflatable kayak when I worked up the courage. I recommend moving around and trying all boats available.
Disconnecting and Going with the Flow
Based on my previous multi-day rafting trip, I knew the best way to enjoy rafting the Rogue was simply to “go with the flow.” This time, I didn’t even try to look too far ahead but listened to what the guides said was the immediate next thing. Upon arrival at the lodges, our guides told us the schedule for the evening. At dinner, they let us know what would happen in the morning, etc. Honestly, that was all I needed to know. My only big decision was what I was wearing/bringing in the dry bag (check out my packing and preparation post) and which boat I wanted to start out on. Other than that, I completely trusted that between the river and the guide’s knowledge of the area, there were endless fun things around each bend. And there were.
While this river trip was only 4 days, it felt like I was on an entirely different planet by the end of day 1. It was amazing to not have cell service and be totally disconnected from the world’s worries outside the Rogue River Canyon. And what helped me disconnect was the first lodge turning off the generator at 10 pm. Not only did we not have service, but we also didn’t even have power! While the other lodges had power throughout the night, it was a good reminder to shut off my phone and get rest. It’s not my style to tell you what to do, but I recommend that you disconnect from worry, stay present, and go with the flow for a full Rogue River rafting retreat.
Water and Weather Temps
Each day was toasty during my mid-August trip down the Rogue. I believe our days were in the high-80s or low-90s, which meant I was grateful for the river. Getting splashed, floating, or rock jumping was welcomed as the water temperature in August was likely in the high 60s or low 70s. I found the water temperature to be more refreshing than cold.
After swimming or being wet for an extended time, I did get cold and would lay out on the hot rocks like a lizard to warm up quickly. Then, I’d wait a little while before rock jumping/getting wet again. The hot-cold-hot yo-yo is normal, and it’s super important to pay attention to your body temperature. Overall, the weather and water temps were perfect to experience a Rogue River rafting trip with sunny warm days, refreshing water, and slightly cooler evenings.
Our pre-trip meeting at Morrison’s Lodge was a good indicator of the weather because it was in the high 80s at 7:30 pm. With this in mind, I removed a jacket and an extra long sleeve shirt. I’m always worried I’ll be cold, but on this trip, I was sweating more often than not and never missed these extra layers. Of course, it depends on the season you’re rafting, so check the weather on the trip. For my list of essentials of what to bring on a Rogue River Trip, check out my packing post:
Choosing a Trip with ROW Adventures: 3-day, 4-day, Camping, Lodges, or Hiking
This specific 4-day lodge-to-lodge trip was suggested to me by ROW Adventures, and I don’t think they could have chosen a better trip for me. But it’s not the only trip they offer on the Rogue! They have the following Rogue River Rafting and Hiking trips available for 2023 (subject to change):
- 3-Day Lodge Trips: Similar to what I described, but you will not stay at Half Moon Bar Lodge, with even more happening each day.
- 4-Day Lodge Trips: The trip described here!
- 4-Day Camping Trips: Float the river, but stay riverside and camp in a tent each night.
- 4-Day Hike/Float Lodge Trips: Hike the Rogue River National Recreation Trail from lodge-to-lodge, with the option to raft.
Before deciding, read more details on the ROW Adventures Rogue website. I’m absolutely biased, but I LOVED the 4-day length. It felt like a real getaway where I luxuriated in the river/nature/experience. I’m sure the guides time everything so it feels seamless on the 3-day lodge trips, but I bet every day is jam-packed with activities. You would also miss out on the special features of Half Moon Bar Lodge.
The hiking trips are interesting! With a river of fun rapids, it’s hard to imagine NOT floating the Rogue. However, it would be nice to slow down and appreciate the surroundings. There were times I was so focused on paddling that I didn’t always appreciate the river canyon. I bet I would enjoy a hike/float trip.
Take a moment to consider what you’re looking for, what you’re most excited about, and the timing (not all trips are offered throughout the summer). If you’re still having trouble, chat with the kind folks at ROW Adventures who know all the different experiences and can help you decide.
Full Transparency
I reached out to ROW Adventures to write a blog post about the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. We were all set to go, but then I tested positive for Covid two days before the trip in Stanley, Idaho. I was unbelievably bummed! After recovering, I let ROW Adventures know I would be based in Oregon for the summer, and we talked about a Rogue River Rafting Lodge-to-Lodge trip. While I wasn’t familiar with the Rogue, the more I thought about it, the more aligned it was with being “moderately” adventurous — exciting outdoor adventure, but with the comfort of lodges each night. Plus, it was an opportunity to try out a paddle trip. I’m sure I would love the Middle Fork of the Salmon, but Rouge River was the perfect introductory multi-day rafting trip. (Maybe an even better introduction than the Grand Canyon trip!)
Due to the change in plans, I was confirmed to go on this trip 10 days before the start. While I felt prepared with the gear, I had little expectations about the river. I took the go-with-the-flow method and was delighted by each day we encountered. You can trust that these are my honest opinions.
During the trip, I was treated as a regular guest by the guides, lodges, and fellow guests without special treatment. I experienced everything for the first time, just as the other guests were. As we got to know each other, my fellow guests were fascinated by my blog and reminded me to include every happenstance. Haha! Each river trip will be a slightly different experience with changing environmental conditions (weather, water flow, temperatures) and group (guides and fellow guests). Still, I genuinely believe you will have an eerily similar Rogue River rafting experience if you booked this trip.
Overall Thoughts: 4-day Lodge-to-Lodge Rogue River Rafting Trip
I can confidently say that the lodge-to-lodge Rogue River rafting trip with ROW Adventures is the PERFECT introduction to a multi-day rafting trip. I couldn’t create a better mix of elements in a lab. The scenery of the Rogue River valley is stunning, rapids were fun and exciting, side-hikes were informative, and river guides made the entire trip seamless. Then, docking at the lodges each night was like coming home after a thrilling day on the river. Each lodge welcomed us with a warm hearty dinner, clean sheets, and a private bathroom with shower. I slept well, enjoyed coffee in a ceramic mug, and felt ready to tackle each new day. Overall, what a delight.
The 4-day lodge-to-lodge Rogue River trip is excellent for anyone who wants an outdoorsy getaway with a bit of comfort or to try a multi-day rafting trip for the first time. And I’d easily recommend ROW Adventures time and again. Here’s the link to the ROW Adventures website one more time.
Since this post is already massive, I wanted to pull out a couple of discussion points – the essential things to bring on a Rogue River trip and the history and experience of the historic lodges. Read those posts here:
- Packing for a Rogue Rafting Lodge-to-Lodge Trip
- Historic Lodges of the Rogue River: On the ROW Adventures Website
With two river trips under my belt, I am firmly hooked on multi-day river rafting. The Middle Fork of the Salmon remains at the top of my list, but what other rivers and multi-day trips should I look into? Let me know in the comments about a river and the tour company you recommend!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
