Trip Details
Rogue River Rafting Trips (3 to 5 Days)
Price: Starting at $1225/adult, $1175/youth
Meet Time: Varies; typically 9:00 a.m. at Galice Resort
Season: May through September
Minimum Age: 6 Years Old
Download: Trip Planning Brochure (PDF)
Plan Way Ahead: View our 2026 schedule
The Rogue River is one of America’s great multi-day adventures and is a perfect get-away for an adventurous family. Whether you are seeking thrilling whitewater, stunning scenery, up-close wildlife, or simply time to kick back and relax – the Rogue has all of this and so much more. Wrapped within a steep and rugged river canyon, the Rogue pools and drops from river bend to river bend. As the river winds downstream, you will discover steep canyon walls occasionally punctuated by pristine beaches, offering relaxing and comfortable lunch and camping stops. The comforts of home are transported via raft and delicious meals are prepared by our crew of fun, professional, and talented river guides. Trips depart weekly and the river flow never stops – which begs the question: When will you go Rogue?
Dates and Rates
2025 Rogue River Rafting Trip Schedule
Reservations are held with a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your trip date. To protect your investment, we highly recommend Travel Protection. Please read our multi-day cancellation policy prior to booking your trip.
THREE-DAY ROGUE TRIPS
$1225/adult, $1175/youth
Three days on the river, two nights camping.
May 16, 19
June 18, 25, 29
July 6, 20, 31
August 7, 18, 20, 27, 30
September 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
October 5, 10, 15
FOUR-DAY ROGUE TRIPS
$1475/adult, $1425/youth
Four days on the river, three nights camping.
May 16, 19
June 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 7, 18, 20, 27, 30
September 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
October 5, 10, 15
FIVE-DAY ROGUE KAYAK TRIPS
$1850/person
Five days on the river, four nights camping.
August 13
This is a DeRiemer Kayaking Charter Trip. Please contact Phil or Mary if you have any questions about your ability to do this trip.
Your Rafting Trip on the Rogue River
There’s an amazing thing that happens when you push off onto a multi-day river trip. It’s a sense of relief, of freedom, of being able to finally relax. There is always a build up of anticipation, of what to expect, but then suddenly, magically, you are rounding the bend and embarking on a new adventure. As the road and signs of civilization disappear you will discover that life on the river is simple – be curious, look around, and discover a world without the distractions of modern day life.[/col-two-last]
Perhaps the best part of a river trip is that you get to experience a wonderful place with people who mean the most to you. Whether you are traveling with friends or family or both, you will find that relationships are strengthened under stars, in wilderness, and on rivers with whitewater and challenge.
Our trips are designed to comfortably share with you a place we believe to be precious and unique to Southern Oregon. The Wild & Scenic Rogue River shares qualities of many other multi-day river trips, but it is one of the few that holds so many outstanding qualities. We believe you will remember your trip as one of the best vacations you’ve ever taken, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
During the Day on the river
The Rogue River is the perfect vacation for a group of individuals with different ideas of what the “perfect” river trip truly means. Whether you want to have an active vacation with lots of kayaking and hiking or you prefer to kick back and enjoy the ride, the Rogue River offers many different experiences that will match exactly what you are looking for in a vacation.
Our nights at camp
Our camps on the Rogue River are far from “roughing it” – in fact some of our guests have referred to the Indigo Creek Outfitters style of camping as “glamping” (Glorious Camping). Each day, a large supply boat goes downstream ahead of our group to set-up camp. When we arrive, tents and the rest of camp are completely set-up. We brings chairs, tables, and a kitchen to make camp feel more like home. In fact, you might think of our trips as a mobile bed and breakfast.
Indigo Creek Outfitters guides are superb camp chefs and you will be impressed with the variety of delicious, fresh, and wholesome meals that are offered throughout the trip. Food is often certified organic and sourced from local and regional providers.
Trip Highlights
- 36 miles of outstanding whitewater and fun rapids surrounded by an incredible river canyon.
- Gorgeous river side camps with great views, swimming holes, and extra-comfortable tent sites.
- Historical sites and old homesteads that are only accessible from the river.
- Amazing hikes up side creeks and along the river, including the famous “Rogue River Trail.”
- Wildlife everywhere – from eagles to bear, to otter and salmon, the Rogue is home to many.
The “Wild & Scenic” Designation
“… certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations…”
– Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968
Our Special Use Permit
Indigo Creek Outfitters operates under Special Use Permits from the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District and the U.S. Forest Service. The Oregon State Marine Board licenses our activities. Our permit and license are your assurance that Indigo Creek Outfitters is legally outfitting on the river. Our operations and facilities are operated on a non-discriminatory basis.
Common Questions
Inevitably you may have some questions about your Rogue River multi-day trip. Our office is available to answer any questions you might have and to also be a resource for planning your visit to the Rogue River. We are based in Phoenix, Oregon and have lots of local tips to make your visit to Southern Oregon not only a wonderful vacation but also as easy as possible. We are available via phone at 541-282-4535 or email (info@indigocreekoutfitters.com). Below are some important details about your trip. We’ve also tried to address the most common questions we get regarding our multi-day trips.
Guest Information Directory
- Trip meeting location: Galice Resort
- Places to stay before your trip
- Flying to Medford International Airport (MFR)
- Packing for your Rogue River trip
- Dietary requests and food allergies
- What types of boats will be on my trip?
- What is typical weather like on the Rogue River?
- How much water is in the Rogue River?
- Can I bring my favorite beverages on my trip?
- How much room is there for my personal belongings?
- What kind of sleeping pads do you provide?
- What are the toilets like?
- Spiders, snakes, and bears – oh my!
- Can I bring a musical instrument?
Trip Meeting Location: Galice Resort
Galice Resort: 11744 Galice Rd, Merlin, OR 97532
Our Rogue River multi-day trips meet at the Galice Resort at 9:00 a.m. the morning of your trip. Galice has lodging available and is a convenient place to stay the night prior to your trip. If you are driving:
North on Interstate 5 (Medford, Ashland)
1. Take exit 61.
2. Turn left at the end of the ramp.
3. Go straight through the stoplight and continue for exactly 15 miles. This road turns into the “Merlin Galice Road.”
4. The Galice Resort will be on your right.
South on Interstate 5 (Portland, Seattle)
1. Take exit 61.
2. Turn left at the stop light towards Merlin.
3. Continue for exactly 15 miles. This road turns into the “Merlin Galice Road.”
4. The Galice Resort will be on your right.
Places to stay before your trip
If you are traveling from out of the area you will probably want to stay somewhere nearby our meeting location at Galice Resort. You can stay at Galice, however there are many other options nearby.
Nearby Lodging Options (within half an hour of our meeting location)
Name | Phone | Location |
---|---|---|
Double C Dog Ranch | 1-541-890-4120 | Ashland |
Canine Club | 1-800-826-1963 | Grants Pass |
R&R Pet Resort | 1-541-535-1900 | Grants Pass |
Lodging options in Medford, Oregon (1 hour away)
Name | Phone | Cell Service? | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Margaritaville | 1-541-646-9700 | ✅ | Medford |
Rogue Regency Inn | 1-541-770-1234 | ✅ | Medford |
Homewood Suites | 1-541-779-9800 | ✅ | Medford |
Courtyard Medford Airport | 1-541-772-5656 | ✅ | Medford |
Lodging options in Ashland, Oregon (1 hour and fifteen minutes away)
Name | Phone | Cell Service? | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bard's Inn | 1-800-533-9627 | ✅ | Ashland |
Ashland Springs Hotel | 1-541-488-1700 | ✅ | Ashland |
Stratford Inn | 1-541-488-2151 | ✅ | Ashland |
Lithia Springs Resort | 1-800-482-7128 | ✅ | Ashland |
Windsor Inn | 1-541-488-2330 | ✅ | Ashland |
Ashland Hills | 1-541-482-8310 | ✅ | Ashland |
Galice Resort | 1-541-476-3818 | No | Galice |
The Lodge at Riverside | 1-541-955‐0600 | ✅ | Grants Pass |
Shilo Inn | 1-541-479‐8391 | ✅ | Grants Pass |
La Quinta | 541-472‐1808 | ✅ | Grants Pass |
Holiday Inn Express | 1-541-471‐6144 | ✅ | Grants Pass |
Margaritaville | 1-541-646-9700 | ✅ | Medford |
Courtyard Medford Airport | 1-541-772-5656 | ✅ | Medford |
Rogue Regency Inn | 1-541-770-1234 | ✅ | Medford |
Homewood Suites | 1-541-779-9800 | ✅ | Medford |
Morrison's Lodge | 1-800-826-1963 | No | Merlin |
Flying to Medford International Airport (MFR)
Medford International Airport is serviced by United Airlines, Delta, Allegiant and Horizon Air. Flights inbound to Medford start from San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Please plan your flight to arrive the day before your river trip. For your return flight, please do not plan to fly out on the same day as your trip gets off the river.
Packing for your Rogue River trip
During our pre-trip meeting (9:00 a.m. at Galice Resort on the day of your trip) we will provide you with a large dry bag (“camp bag”) and a small dry bag (“day bag”). These waterproof bags will carry your belongings for the duration of our time on the river. The large dry bag measures 16″ in diameter and 25″ tall when closure is rolled to maximum volume.
Professional Guide Tips and Tricks
“Pack your clothing into a soft duffel bag or laundry bag so that it is easily fits in the dry bag next to other items. Use small ziplock bags to organize medicine and toiletries. My ‘must have’ is a pillow. Bring one and you’ll sleep like a king (or queen).”
– Nick Pabst, Indigo Creek Outfitters
Dietary Requests and Food Allergies
With advance notice we are happy to accommodate most dietary requests. At the time of your reservation we try to collect as much information as possible to make your trip perfect for you. This includes food preferences, requests, and allergies. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to update your roster information, please call our office at 541-282-4535 or email info@indigocreekoutfitters.com.
What types of boats will be on my trip?
We typically have a few different boats to choose from:
1. Oar boats – these rafts carry the majority of our gear and also provide a comfortable place to kick back and relax as your guide rows the boat downstream.
2. Paddle boats – these rafts are more participatory and passengers will have a paddle to help move the boat downstream. A guide in the back controls the raft with oars while giving instruction to the crew.
3. Inflatable kayaks (aka “duckies) – The most active way to head downstream is in an inflatable kayak. These boats are fast, super maneuverable, and an absolute blast to run through rapids. You’ll follow a paddle boat and the guide will give you pointers for each rapid.
Over the course of each day you will have the opportunity to change boats.
Professional Guide Tips and Tricks
“Everyone should try out the inflatable kayaks at some point during the trip. If you are nervous, talk to a guide about ‘testing’ one at camp the first night. That way you can get a feel for the boat and how stable they are without actually heading downstream through rapids. Practicing in flat water at camp will build your confidence. Before you know it you’ll be charging through rapids.”
– Tyler “TJ” Vandehey, Indigo Creek Outfitters
What is the typical weather like on the Rogue River?
In Southern Oregon we like to say that “if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” In other words, weather can change really quickly and you should be prepared for sun, rain, hot, and cold weather throughout your trip. Mornings can be cool (down to 50 degrees) and afternoons can be hot (100 degrees), so having a variety of clothing will help you be comfortable.
Average Highs / Lows in fahrenheit
April: 64 / 40
May: 72 / 45
June: 80 / 50
July: 89 / 55
August: 89 / 54
September: 82 / 47
October: 69 / 41
How much water is in the Rogue River?
The Rogue River is dam-controlled by the William Jess Dam, which forms Lost Creek Lake. This is a large dam that creates a storage capacity of 315,000 acre feet and supplies the Rogue River with an adequate flow for rafting year round. There are numerous tributaries to the Rogue River downstream of the dam that can also add a substantial amount of water to the river. Thus, if there are rain or snow melt events the river can rise and fall regardless of the outflow from William Jess Dam. There are a number of USGS gauges that measure the water flow and temperature of the river. The most common one to look at for the Wild & Scenic Rogue River is the Agness gauge. The town of Agness is located a few miles downstream of our take out location (Foster Bar).
In the United States, most rivers are measured in “Cubic Feet Per Second,” or in river guide lingo “CFS.” One cubic foot is similar to the box a basketball is packaged in. Our guides have run the Rogue when flows in Agness have ranged from 800 CFS to 90,000 CFS (yes, the river gets high – read the trip report here). Here is the current and predicted flow from Agness:
Can I bring my favorite beverages on my trip?
Yes, absolutely. Cans are best but we can also take glass bottles. We have safe storage space in dry boxes and coolers. For obvious safety reasons, we do not provide access to alcoholic beverages while on the river.
Professional Guide Tips and Tricks
“Don’t put your bottle of wine in your dry bag. It will break and your clothes and sleeping bag will smell like white wine for the rest of the trip. Give it to a guide and we’ll put it in a cooler for you.”
– Thorn Lyons, Indigo Creek Outfitters
How much room is there for my personal belongings?
The large dry bag measures 16″ in diameter and 25″ tall when closure is rolled to maximum volume. We also provide a smaller dry bag that you have access to throughout the day. Please limit your personal items to these bags. If you have additional items we can probably accommodate them, but please contact our office so we know ahead of time. Call us at 541-282-4535 or info@indigocreekoutfitters.com.
What kind of sleeping pads do you provide?
We are proud to offer the best sleeping pads made for river trips to our guests. These are “Jack’s Plastic Super Paco Sleeping Pads” that are ultra-comfortable, thick, and extremely durable. They are, without question, the most comfortable sleeping pad offered by any outfitter on the Rogue River.
Professional Guide Tips and Tricks
“Since Paco Pads are waterproof and inflatable, try floating on yours in an eddy next to camp when the afternoon heat peaks.”
– Emily Berlant, Indigo Creek Outfitters
What are the toilets like?
Depending on where we camp, there will either be an outhouse or porta-potty set-up near camp. If we have a porta-potty, we always will have it set-up in a private location that is easily accessed from camp. We use an indicator (normally a paddle) to show whether the “bathroom” is in use.
Professional Guide Tips and Tricks
“At some point before the sun goes down, scout out the path to the bathroom. When it’s the middle of the night you’ll appreciate the foresight in knowing exactly where it’s located, rather than looking for it in the dark.”
– Kacy Carlson, Indigo Creek Outfitters
Spiders, snakes, and Bears – Oh my!
We’ll be traveling through a wilderness area that is home to many creatures. It is very common over the course of our trips to see bear, deer, bald eagles, and other wildlife. For the most part, these animals are harmless and not interested in what we are doing. We do take precautions to keep human and wildlife interactions to a minimum and these will be discussed by our guides before your trip and at camp.
Can I bring a musical instrument?
Yes, absolutely. We’ve had guitars, harmonicas, banjos, and even a bagpipe on the river. Let our office know ahead of time if you will need a special waterproof bag for your instrument.
Trip Itinerary
Your trip on the Rogue River will take you through an impressive wilderness canyon nestled against the Rogue River Mountain range. All of our trips start and end at the same place, but the details for each day may vary due to the same natural factors that make rivers so appealing – natural changes like water levels and weather may cause us to adjust our itinerary for safety reasons and to enhance your trip. Below is a sample itinerary of an Indigo Creek Outfitters trip on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River.
Day 1: Galice to Kelsey Canyon (Mile 0 to 15.5)
9:00 a.m. – Look for an Indigo Creek Outfitters bus or truck in the parking area at Galice Resort. After introductions, our guides will provide you with a large dry bag for you to pack your items. Additionally, you’ll receive a smaller dry “day bag” that can be accessible throughout the day. The large dry bag will be stored in our “camp boat” and will be downstream of the group, so it’s important to not pack anything you may need during the day in this bag.
Once you have packed your bags, we will move your vehicle to Galice’s overnight parking area (it will stay at Galice for the duration of the trip). From Galice, we’ll drive the group to our boat launch, located a few miles downstream of Galice Resort. There you’ll be introduced to the remaining crew, we’ll do a pre-trip “safety talk,” hop in the rafts and begin our trip downstream.
We typically have a few different boats to choose from:
1. Oar boats – these rafts carry the majority of our gear and also provide a comfortable place to kick back and relax as your guide rows the boat downstream.
2. Paddle boats – these rafts are more participatory and passengers will have a paddle to help move the boat downstream. A guide in the back controls the raft with oars while giving instruction to the crew.
3. Inflatable kayaks (aka “duckies) – The most active way to head downstream is in an inflatable kayak. These boats are fast, super maneuverable, and an absolute blast to run through rapids. You’ll follow a paddle boat and the guide will give you pointers for each rapid.
Over the course of the day you’ll be able to move from one boat to another.
12:30 p.m. – We’ll stop for lunch mid-day. Our food is delicious and we can accommodate most food preferences or allergies (let us know ahead of time please). Over the course of the trip you will be surprised by the quality of our dishes and variety of foods our guides are able to prepare in a wilderness setting.
That afternoon… A typical afternoon on the Rogue will include a few hours of river time as well as a scenic or historical stop to take a breather. The Rogue River canyon is full of off-the-beaten-path areas that are well worth exploring. Some are on the river, some are up side creeks, and some are in little-known places that you’ll only find with people who know the river well.
Adjacent to the river is the well-known “Rogue River Trail.” Some of our guests appreciate a new perspective and may spend part of their day hiking the trail. It offers gorgeous views of the river and is easily accessible throughout the day.
We will be arriving at our first night camp around 4:00 p.m. Your tent will have been set-up and our camping area will have been converted to a home-away-from-home, including a dining table, chairs, and kitchen. A bathroom is easily accessed and is located in a private area a short walk from camp.
5:00 p.m. – Appetizers are ready. Kick back and relax. Go on a short hike. Drink some wine (or Oregon microbrew, or soda, or water). Play bocci. Go for a swim. Take a nap.
6:00 p.m. – Dinner is ready. It’s going to be a great meal so dig in, have seconds, and leave the dishes to us. Tell stories and look up at the brightest stars you’ve ever seen.
There is something about being outside all day, along the river, and eating delicious and healthy food, being away from electronics and out of cell phone range, that leads to a great night of sleep. Don’t be surprised if you turn in early.
Day 2: Kelsey Canyon to Solitude Bar (Mile 15.5 to 28.5)
In the morning… Wake up to the sound of the river. There’s no beating the quiet and peacefulness of morning on the river. Long before the sun begins to heat up the river canyon we’ll have a big pot of coffee ready for you. Our guides drink coffee – a lot of it – and if you are a coffee drinker you’ll appreciate our local Southern Oregon “cowboy” coffee. If you prefer tea there will be a variety of teas available. Have a cup or two or three or four while our crew prepares breakfast.
During breakfast, an Indigo Creek guide will describe the day ahead and give you an overview of what to expect. While we’re doing the dishes and packing up the kitchen you can start packing your bag and getting ready for a day on the river. Put some sunblock on, fill up your water bottle and maybe grab one more cup of coffee. Our guides are packing up the boats and we’ll be on the water shortly…
There are a number of fun rapids this morning and a highlight will be stopping at Zane Grey’s cabin for a short hike. Keep your camera accessible because this section of river has a ton of wildlife (look for bear, deer, osprey, otter, and bald eagle). We’ve heard from some guests who say a trip on the Rogue is like being in a Planet Earth film. We agree.
Lunch at the Rogue River Ranch… One of the more historic places on the Rogue River is the Rogue River Ranch. We’ll stop here for lunch and to check out the old ranch (no longer active) and explore Mule Creek. There is a wonderful swimming hole up the creek and you’ll enjoy the refreshingly cold waters as an escape from the Southern Oregon heat.
In the afternoon… We are headed into the wildest section of whitewater on the trip. The back-to-back Mule Creek and Blossom Bar duo is one of the most famous sets of rapids in the west. We have specific safety procedures for inflatable kayaks on this stretch of river and your guides will discuss the plan at lunch. We always provide the option of hiking the trail, although we really think you’ll appreciate the ride and view from the rafts. Rafting through Mule Creek Canyon is an experience like no other and will leave a lasting impression. The narrow slot canyon that the river carves and boils through is an amazing testament to the power of nature.
Once through Mule Creek Canyon there is a moment of calm and then the roar of Blossom Bar as we round the bend. Blossom Bar is a long rapid nearly two football fields long that presents a technical challenge to any river runner. Our rafts will weave their way through the boulder field and before you know it we’ll be looking back upstream toward Oregon’s most famous rapid.
The river calms as we leave Blossom Bar and head to camp. We’ll float past the waterfall of Paradise Creek, through the serene and quiet still waters of Huggins Canyon, and arrive at our home-away-from-home, Solitude Bar, around 4:00 p.m. Like the previous night, we’ll settle in, enjoy a glass of wine, eat a well-earned dinner, and tell tales of the river before dozing off to a good nights sleep.
Day 3: Solitude Bar to Foster Bar (Mile 28.5 to 35.5)
It might not be until you wake up on the last day of your trip that you’ll realize the importance of wild places. Wild places like the Rogue River offer a solitude and feeling of peace that is impossible to find in an ordinary lifestyle. A trip to the Wild & Scenic Rogue River is one of just a few places you can find a reset button that forces one to naturally refocus on the important things in life. Whether that is reconnecting with old friends or spending time with loved ones, a river trip fosters connections with important places and people and offers a refreshing perspective that can only be found in a beautiful river canyon away from modern day distractions.
This morning on the river is similar to the previous day (hearty breakfast, lots of coffee, and a beautiful stretch of river), but with the knowledge that you’ll be returning to civilization – to your car, cell service, and a paved road headed back home. There is always a feeling of sadness to say goodbye to new friends and the Rogue River, but you will find a sense of accomplishment to know that you won’t go through life without having seen the Wild & Scenic Rogue River. There is additional relief in knowing that the Rogue River and your wilderness “home-away-from-home” can always be visited again the following year.
After lunch on the river it is a short float to Foster Bar, which is where our time on the river comes to a close. From Foster Bar we transport back to Galice Resort over the scenic “Bear Camp Road.” We are normally back to Galice Resort around 4:00 p.m.
The Indigo Creek Experience
Experience speaks volumes – and we have lots of it. Founded in 2011, Indigo Creek stems from decades of work in the whitewater and adventure tourism industry. We are lucky to work in a fun and exciting industry, but we are most fortunate to have the best customers on Earth who make the work we do a true pleasure. Read our story, learn about our crew, and read about the Indigo difference.