×
Rafting and Hiking the Rogue River
Destination: Merlin, OR
| Activities: Choose your own adventure: Hike or paddle as much as you want!
The Rogue River is one of the most famous western rivers - and with good reason. Our trip takes place on the most scenic portion, flowing through the heart of the Rogue River Wilderness. For those who love to hike, a gentle, fairly flat riverside trail takes you past old homesteads, through fields of wildflowers, and to ever changing vistas of the river below. For those who love rafting, the class II-IV rapids offer just the right level of challenge for novice and intermediate rafters. The hardest part of each day may be deciding which you want to do that day. Remote riverside lodges offer us the luxury of a comfortable bed, hot showers, and cold drinks each night. Maximum group size: 15
Please Note: On this trip the deposit is non-refundable unless we can fill your space from a waiting list.
Highlights
- Float, paddle, and raft over class II-IV rapids in oar boats and paddle boats.
- Have you tried an inflatable personal kayak? This is your chance
- Hike through one of the nation's finest river canyons on a trail rich with spring wildflowers
- Stay in wilderness lodges each night with hot showers and comfortable beds
- Watch for wildlife including eagles, songbirds and waterfowl
- Learn about the human history of the area as we pass historic homesteads
Departures and Prices
|
Notify Me Regarding the Next Departure |
| Looking for another date? |
| Click below, and a member of our team will contact you. |
| Request A Private Tour |
Inclusions
- Female rafting guides and an Adventures in Good Company group leader
- Five nights double occupancy accommodation in lodges as detailed in the itinerary
- Meals from dinner on Friday through breakfast the following Wednesday
- All transportation from the time you arrive at the lodge, as well as airport shuttles to and from the Medford Airport (not included if you arrive or depart outside of the scheduled arrival/departure day)
- 5% Land and water access fees
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is suitable for any healthy, active woman with good mobility who wants a whitewater rafting trip. You can paddle at least half the day or not at all, and you can hike the entire day, a half day, or not at all. You must have sufficient agility to get in and out of rafts in moving water. No previous rafting or hiking experience is required. While this trip is suitable for a variety of fitness levels, you will have the best option of engaging in all activities if you are prepared for a level 3 trip. Prior to beginning a level 3 trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. Rating: [1] [2] [3] 4 5.
Our Rogue River rafting trip allows you to choose between hiking and rafting as much as you want. When you're on the river, there will be a combination of oar boats (you hang on) and paddle boats (you help supply the power). There will also be an inflatable kayak (you are the power) to try out. Oar boats are always an option and the amount of time you spend on the others depends on how many women are interested in which. You will also have the option of hiking for half or whole days on the trail that meanders through the river canyon.
We'll spend the first and last nights at Morrison's Rogue River Lodge in Merlin, OR. Along the way we will be staying at comfortable wilderness lodges with hot showers and comfortable beds.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Our trip begins today when we meet at Morrison's Rogue River Lodge in Merlin, OR at 5:00 p.m. If you're flying in, plan to fly in no later than 2:00 p.m. for a pre-arranged shuttle to our lodging. If you're driving, you can plan to leave your vehicles at the lodge. At 5:00 p.m. we'll gather for introductions before meeting with our river guides for an orientation, where you can have any last minute questions answered and receive your waterproof gear bags. Following the orientation we'll have dinner together at the lodge. (D)
DAY 2
We will meet the guide early and drive to our starting point, Grave Creek, where we will go through a safety orientation. Today and most days you can choose whether you want to spend the entire day hiking, the entire day rafting, or switch between the two at lunch.
If you decide to raft you will get fitted with PFDs and choose a raft (paddle or oar-powered). We can't promise you can always have your boat of choice but we'll make sure we have a good mix of boats with plenty of time in the craft of your choice. The river starts gently but soon becomes more exciting as we encounter our first rapids. About noon we enter the wild & scenic section of the Wild Rogue River at a rapid called Grave Creek. After lunch the afternoon is filled with several Class II and III rapids.
If you hike, the total length of the hike is 9.6 miles to Black Bar Lodge. Many historic sites along the way are one of the highlights of the trip and the guide will share stories of their history along the way. We'll meet up with the rafting group for a sumptuous riverside lunch and you can decide at that point whether to raft or continue hiking. We'll all arrive at the lodge around 4:30 p.m.
Regardless of whether we arrive at the Lodge on foot or by raft, we'll have time to clean up as the guides prepare hors d'oeuvres as well as complimentary regional wine, beer, and sodas for you to enjoy before dinner. Dinner is about 7:00 p.m. and afterwards you can play cards, read your book, or go outside and gaze at the stars. Generators shut down at 10:00 p.m. and the stargazing gets even better after that. (B, L, D)
If you decide to raft you will get fitted with PFDs and choose a raft (paddle or oar-powered). We can't promise you can always have your boat of choice but we'll make sure we have a good mix of boats with plenty of time in the craft of your choice. The river starts gently but soon becomes more exciting as we encounter our first rapids. About noon we enter the wild & scenic section of the Wild Rogue River at a rapid called Grave Creek. After lunch the afternoon is filled with several Class II and III rapids.
If you hike, the total length of the hike is 9.6 miles to Black Bar Lodge. Many historic sites along the way are one of the highlights of the trip and the guide will share stories of their history along the way. We'll meet up with the rafting group for a sumptuous riverside lunch and you can decide at that point whether to raft or continue hiking. We'll all arrive at the lodge around 4:30 p.m.
Regardless of whether we arrive at the Lodge on foot or by raft, we'll have time to clean up as the guides prepare hors d'oeuvres as well as complimentary regional wine, beer, and sodas for you to enjoy before dinner. Dinner is about 7:00 p.m. and afterwards you can play cards, read your book, or go outside and gaze at the stars. Generators shut down at 10:00 p.m. and the stargazing gets even better after that. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
The generators will come on at 7:00 a.m. and a hearty breakfast is available by 8:00 a.m. Today's hike to Marial Lodge is about 15 miles, again along a gentle trail that passes old homesteads as it presents ever changing vistas of the river below. We'll meet the rafters about halfway through for lunch again, and you can decide how to spend the rest of the day. For the rafters, the river alternates between quieter water and bouncy exciting Class II and III rapids. In late afternoon we'll pull over for a stop at the Rogue River Ranch. The Ranch, a museum and interpretive center, is a vivid example of early pioneer history and a fascinating place to visit. Regardless of what combination you choose, we'll spend tonight at Marial Lodge. After relaxing time, hors d'oeuvres, and dinner, you'll have the option for a lovely hike down a trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall. This lodge has power available all night. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
Today you'll need to choose between hiking and rafting as there is no opportunity for a swap at lunch. It's a shorter day with a more casual pace and more time in the afternoon to soak in the peace and quiet of the area. The hike is about 5 miles to Half Moon Lodge and since it is relatively short, anyone who was not on the rafting trip in the afternoon yesterday can start with a hike back to the Rogue River ranch before continuing downstream. For the rafters it is short and intense day, with the most exciting rapids of the trip: Mule Creek Canyon, Blossom Bar, and Devils Staircase are all Class IV and absolutely spectacular. Regardless of which way you go, we'll arrive early afternoon and have some extra time today just to relax. Of course you also can always choose to hike back up the trail for a chance to see the river from a different perspective. (B, L, D)
DAY 5
We'll be ending our trip today at Foster Bar in mid-afternoon. If you choose to hike, we'll be starting a bit earlier today for our 6.5 mile hike to Flora Del, where we'll have lunch and meet up with the rafters. For the rafters, the remainder of the trip is Class II and III rapids which, after yesterday, will feel like a piece of cake! After lunch we all get in the rafts for one final and exciting stretch of river to the take out. We'll be met by our vans for the 2-hour drive on a winding and scenic road back over the mountains. We'll be back at Morrison's Lodge about 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. and have time to clean up before gathering for our final farewell dinner. Tonight we'll share memories and laughter, as we toast the peace of the river and the fun we've had. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
You are free to leave anytime today. If you are returning to the airport today we'll have 2-3 shuttles taking you back to the airport so you can depart who are leaving at similar times. If you've driven, Medford is only 20 miles from Ashland and its year round Shakespeare Festival if that's of interest. You may also want to continue your adventure with a visit to Crater Lake National Park or Redwoods National Park. (B)
4.9
(64 reviews)
5
4
3
2
1
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
Sort By:
Most Recent
High-Low
Low-High
Kelly H.
1 year ago
This Rogue River trip was AWESOME! From the river guides, to the lodges, and food. Everything exceeded my expectations!
Lynda T.
1 year ago
Maya L.
1 year ago
The guides, both from AGC and ROW, and the interesting women on the trip.
Phyllis T.
1 year ago
The chance to do both hiking and rafting for multiple days in a beautiful part of the country.
Vickie M.
2 years ago
I loved the location, food, and accommodations
Janet D.
2 years ago
It was so much fun rafting, the hikes were beautiful, the lodges were great, and the ROW guides were beyond awesome. I just really cannot say enough about those 4 young women - their competence, skills and hard work, certainly, the good care they took of us all, their lovely and engaging manners.....
Wendy V.
2 years ago
The care, attitude and expertise of Carrie and all the guides on the trip. The amazing standards of the rustic lodges along the river.
Nanci B.
2 years ago
The partnership with ROW was seamless and so complementary. Kerri worked so well with them. They all worked together to make sure we were safe and had too much fun!!
Barbara R.
2 years ago
This trip exceeded my expectations. I (frankly) went along because a friend really wanted to do it, and I had not been in this part of Oregon. Wow! The hiking offered terrific views, lovely spring flowers, and some challenges along the way. While I had not intended to raft, I was glad for an afternoon off from hiking and was sold thereafter. The ROW gals made the rafting experience lots of fun!
Martha N.
2 years ago
Wilderness, rafting, hiking, amazing guides.
Patricia W.
2 years ago
The opportunity to whitewater raft again and get to my fiftieth state all in one trip. Truly an All woman trip with the ROW girls was so much fun. They all were the best companions and river bosses. I was so pleased to see girls having opportunities that were closed to us when I grew up.
Nancy S.
2 years ago
Maxanne W.
2 years ago
Charlotte G.
3 years ago
Carol A.
3 years ago
Meeting women from many different lifestyles and all of us having the same goal of enjoying an outdoor excursion of beauty, adventure and meeting new friends.
Lillian S.
3 years ago
Trip was very organized, with excellent guides and most of the all, the Class 4 rapids! Loved the opportunity of choosing whether to hike, raft or kayak daily. This was my first trip with AGC and I enjoyed getting to know the women. Great, fun group!
Ginger W.
3 years ago
The graciousness of the guides, the veracity and positive outlook of all the women guests, the River (of course!).
Kathi W.
3 years ago
All good! A great way to experience a part of Oregon for the first time.
Patricia D.
3 years ago
Diane S.
3 years ago
I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every minute!
Denise B.
3 years ago
Anne A.
3 years ago
Loved the combination of hiking and rafting. The lodges were fantastic.... Comfy, clean, a shower and a good meal at the end of the day? What could be better
Kathy D.
5 years ago
Exceeded every expectation! Fabulous traveling compnanions, fabulous AGC leader, fabulous river guides, fabulous accommodations!!!
Dorothy T.
5 years ago
Great guides. The trip ran so smmoth
Brenda P.
5 years ago
The rafting was very fun!
Dixie M.
5 years ago
the camaradie of the group. the expertise of the guides. The beauty of the river. The graciousness of the lodging hosts.
Meg K.
5 years ago
beautiful scenery, swimming/rafting/hiking along river, delicious meals
Kathy D.
5 years ago
I had never river ranted before, so I was open and ready for any adventure/ experience. There was just the right amount of challenge on the trip for newcomers and for those who had done some rafting and hiking in the past.
Mary S.
5 years ago
Laurie
Mary H.
5 years ago
The Rogue River is an amazing body of water, challenging and yet exhilarating, and it was a wonderful experience traveling down that amazing body of water with new friends and our amazing river guides!
Kathleen F.
5 years ago
Scenery friendships very organized
Karen B.
6 years ago
Too many to list! Everything! The guides, food, lodging, people, nature, beautiful land and river!
Lynn W.
6 years ago
Myra Y.
6 years ago
The guides were wonderful and didn't make me feel as though I was a burden since I was the oldest and slowest hiker. The trip over all was the best I have ever taken.
Lenza P.
6 years ago
Sylvia B.
6 years ago
Options of rafting or hiking
Paula S.
6 years ago
Mary J.
6 years ago
The women guides from ROW were great. I loved being able to hike and raft. Enjoyed swimming the rapids.
Gayla P.
6 years ago
Great hiking and I enjoyed the time in the raft.
Annette G.
6 years ago
I enjoyed the group of ladies. They were great..
Catha L.
6 years ago
Spendng multiple days on the beautiful Rogue River was a highlight. Our river guides were amazing women! The rafting/hiking option was a perfect mix for my wife and me; I’m a wimpy hiker who loves water and she’s a heavy duty hiker who enjoys occasional rafting trips!
Barbara A.
6 years ago
Adventure, challenges, great people and great food!!
Alisann P.
6 years ago
All aspects of the trip were great. No complaints. Wonderful scenery. Knowledgeable guides. Fantastic food. Diverse and interesting group of women sharing common interests.
Marie H.
6 years ago
Katherine H.
7 years ago
Again, another fabulous AGC guide. Also, again, loved the local outfitter.
Adrienne A.
7 years ago
Making images of the others during the trip. Particularly when they went through the rapids. Also, hiking the last part of the trail I cam across two streams that I spent a lot of time at shooting.
Laurie L.
7 years ago
Weather, organization/efficiency, very affable and fun guides.
Barbara F.
7 years ago
The people and rafting
Donna G.
7 years ago
The lodges were great. All of the guides were wonderful, especially Laurie Priest. Itinerary was perfect.
Elizabeth D.
7 years ago
Paula K.
7 years ago
everything was wonderful, from the guides, the river even the lodges along the way
Kathryn L.
7 years ago
I loved every minute of this trip! It was well planned and the guides were top notch. I really liked the flexibility of choices for activities. The highlight of the trip was experiencing rafting and enjoying the amazing beauty of he Rogue River-plus meeting and getting to know some great women!
Kathleen P.
7 years ago
All weekend I just kept saying "WOW". The Rouge River is beautiful, the lodges were great, the food was wonderful and our River Guides were 4 of the greatest women I have ever met. Our AGC guide Laurie was the best, she doctored my blister and looked after me, when I could not keep up with the other hikers. I think the thing that was probably the best was spending times with 14 other women from all aspects of life.
Maxine M.
8 years ago
It was a great trip...The group seemed to gel and were the most friendly of most of my trips. I loved the rafting, and the hike to "inspiration point" I know it is unfair to compare the food with the trip 2 years ago on the middle fork of Salmon river, but it just didn't compare. My rooms in all lodges were great, but I did hear many complaints from others. I really enjoyed the 7 day Salmon camping trip more that this one staying in lodges, even though camping is not that easy for me.
Sara B.
8 years ago
The trip was just perfect. Everything was so well planned. The guides were experienced and fun.
Susan C.
8 years ago
Spending time on the river with a great group of women and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Ford B.
8 years ago
Mary H.
8 years ago
very engaged group of participants and guides in a beautiful, one of a kind locale.
Juanita T.
8 years ago
Yes, yes, yes. Even though I hurt my ankle and was not able to participate on the hikes, I loved being on the river. I chose the trip to both hike and raft. The Row outfitter was a great choice. The four women guides excelled in all aspects of their jobs. They worked so hard and yet were accessible, friendly, not patronizing...safety was paramount but not to the detriment of fun. With my injured ankle they were very considerate but not patronizing. They were most considerate with my vegan diet...asking me before serving. Every meal I had was in my diet perimeters and delicious. I didn't want for anything. They were very gracious in giving me choice and alternatives to what everyone else ate. I didn't feel like I was singled out for my healthy way of eating.
Maureen T.
8 years ago
Option to choose raft and/or hike; beautiful Rogue River location and accommodations; camaraderie between travelers
Elizabeth D.
8 years ago
The AGC guide and the ROW guides were excellent. The group of women were great to get to know and travel with. The itinerary and the level of adventure and excitement were just what I was looking for.
Erin L.
8 years ago
All of the guides were excellent. I felt totally safe at all times. FYI : WE DID NOT GET BREAKFAST THE LAST MORNING. WHAT HAPPENED???
Kay S.
8 years ago
Gorgeous scenery. Row guides were great. Lodges were very nice - don't mind camping but a nice hot shower each night was nice. Highlight - Laurie and others encourged me to try one of the duckies , which I did, and loved it.
Celia N.
8 years ago
Great group, wonderful location, great weather,
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts and dinners will be at the lodges where you are staying. Dinner typically has a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. You'll eat picnic lunches along the river and/or trail. Morrison's Lodge (where you will be staying at the start of the trip) will want to know your meal selection. Prior to the start of the trip we contact you with your meal choices. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
Vegetarian options for this trip will be limited. Meals are provided from a set menu at the river lodges and there is limited flexibility. Some specific dietary needs cannot be accommodated unless supplemental food is brought. If you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
Singles are not available as you will be in double-occupancy rooms on this trip. On our other trips you only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates everytime we switch lodging.
Replied!
