Rogue River Kayaking

Five-Day Rogue River Kayaking Trips

Price: $1850/person
Meet Time: 8:00 a.m. at Galice Resort
2024 Trip Dates: August 7, 14
Minimum Age: 6 years old
Highlights: Kayak instruction provided by DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking

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This is a DeRiemer Kayaking Charter Trip. Please contact Phil or Mary if you have any questions about your ability to do this trip.

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The Rogue River is the perfect place to improve your hardshell kayaking skills. We work with Phil and Mary DeRiemer of DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking to provide trips that are designed by kayakers, for kayakers. Our five day Rogue River kayaking trips spend four nights camping alongside the Rogue River. The itinerary for each day is focused on developing skills, having fun, and supporting each individual kayaker.

The “Wild & Scenic” section of the Rogue River is one of the United States’ very best rafting and kayaking rivers. Located in southwestern Oregon, the Rogue begins its 220-mile journey near Crater Lake and ends at the Pacific Ocean in the town of Gold Beach, Oregon. Our Rogue River kayaking trips take us through the most wild and beautiful section of the Rogue River – designated by congress as “Wild & Scenic” – through a wilderness and roadless area only accessible by river or trail.

Kayakers of all ages and abilities have enjoyed our Rogue River kayaking trips and return year after year. Each day presents opportunities to learn and improve your kayaking skill set. In addition to kayakers, rafting and inflatable kayaking guests are welcome on these trips too.

Once settled into camp, you are free to explore the nearby area (there are many points of interest along the Rogue), take a swim in the river, soak in the sun, or simply kick back and relax with a glass of Oregon wine or beer.

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, email (info@indigocreekoutfitters.com), or you can stop by and say “hello” at our Rafting Center located in Phoenix, Oregon. 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.

Trip Meeting Location: Galice Resort

Galice Resort: 11744 Galice Rd, Merlin, OR 97532

Our Rogue River kayaking trips meet at the Galice Resort at 8:00 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 (8:00 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ready, set, go!

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 kayaking trip on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River.

Day 1: Rand to Tyee

On the day of your trip we will meet you at the Galice Resort at 8:00 a.m. It’s encouraged that you arrive early to grab breakfast and any last minute items you may need. Galice has a restaurant as well as a retail store for last-minute items (water bottles, fishing licenses, etc.). Most of our guests stay the night prior to their trip at Galice or in the nearby area.

8:00 a.m. – Look for an Indigo Creek Outfitters bus or truck in the parking area at Galice Resort. We’ll head down to Rand and begin unloading kayaks. 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, you will move your vehicle to Galice’s overnight parking area (it will stay at Galice for the duration of the trip unless you would like it shuttled to Foster Bar) and we will transport by van back to Rand. We’ll go through a trip orientation and safety talk and then split into kayak groups. It’s time to hit the water!

The first part of the trip starts mellow and gives us time to adjust to our boats and get a feel for the Rogue.

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.

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). 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. Have some dessert and then relax around the campfire. 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, 3, and 4:

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…

Each day has fun rapids and lots of opportunities for instruction and time to work on our boating skills. If you ever get tired or simply want a chance to relax our oar rafts are always available to carry you and your kayak.

On the fourth day of our trip… we are headed into the wildest section of whitewater on the river. 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 kayaks on this stretch of river and your guides and instructors will discuss the plan before we head downstream.

The river calms as we leave Blossom Bar and head to camp. After stopping for lunch, 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 our previous evenings, 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 5: Solitude Bar to Foster Bar

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.