Rogue River Hiking

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following websites. 

AccuWeather

Weather in any river canyon can vary widely day to day. However, the Rogue’s typical daytime temperatures can climb into the 80’s & 90’s, with the water temperature generally 60-70 degrees. Early and late season trips can also have temperatures ranging from 60-80. While blue skies & sunshine are predominant, rain can happen any time so please bring rain gear!

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

• Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

• Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion. 

• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

• Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

• Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

• Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 

• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:

• A cool day on the trail.   
• A warm day on the trail.
• Time spent lounging at the lodges or at camp.

Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic!

Weather in the northwest is unpredictable. You must come prepared for cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!

DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES

• One large waterproof bag for each person (13” in diameter x 24” tall when closed). This bag will contain the majority of your personal items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day. 

• One small waterproof day bag for each person (9" in diameter x 20" tall)  This bag is for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:

All of your personal items can be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Alternatively, you can use stuff sacks to contain and separate your personal items in the waterproof bag or items can be placed directly into the bag. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. (If you are on a camp trip, your sleeping bag/pad does not need to fit into this bag - it will get its own separate bag.) 

If you are on our CAMPING trip: We will provide each guest with a sleeping bag, pad, and liner. We also supply tents (double occupancy), tables, chairs, etc. 

If you are on our LODGE trip: Your cabin/room has beds and showers…you don’t need to bring bedding or towels, but you will need to bring your own shampoo. 

Trip attire is very casual – comfort and convenience take precedence over style!  

WHILE RAFTING:

• 1 pair of river shoes or sandals or sneakers that can get wet (must have a secure ankle strap, no flip-flops or crocs!) Velcro is okay if in good condition.  Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, Merrell or Bedrock. Tennis shoes with wool or synthetic socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.
• Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day).
• 1 long sleeve shirt for sun protection and/or cool evenings.
• 1 synthetic fleece or wool mid-weight sweater for layering on cool days.
• Mid-weight to light-weight long synthetic underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.
• 2 pairs of shorts/swimsuits.
• Light pants for wind, sun, and poison ivy protection. We highly recommend lightweight zip off pants.
• Sun hat or visor.
• Rain gear (this is a critical item! - A rain jacket or windbreaker without the cotton liner works well…most guests have something in their closet).
• Water bottle with locking carabiner (on hot days you should drink lots of water – we provide water to refill your bottle). We also highly recommend bringing an extra water bottle for hiking.
• Biodegradable sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as an all natural option).
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50.
• Sunglasses with retaining cord/device.
• 1 bath towel & washcloth & biodegradable soap (camp trips only).

WHILE HIKING ON THE TRAIL:

• Hiking Boot / Shoe. Be sure these are well broken in.
• Small day use backpack for carrying extra layers during the day.
• Rain gear (rain jacket or windbreaker without the cotton liner works well…most guests have something in their closet.)
• Hat or visor.
• Extra dry socks.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunscreen.
• Water bottle with locking carabiner.
• 2 pairs of shorts or swimsuit.
• 1 pair of long pants – zip off pants are a great option.
• 1 lightweight long sleeve shirt for sun protection or cool days.
• 1 short sleeve t-shirt.
• 1 synthetic fleece or wool mid-weight sweater for layering on cool days. 

Special Note for Hikers:  
All hiking guests need to be prepared to raft. Hikers are welcome to get into, or out of a raft at lunch or other points along the trail that provide river access if they are tired, injured or just want more or less river time. It is required to get into a raft to cross the river at Black Bar Lodge and to float out the last section of the trip. 

OPTIONAL FOR ALL TRIPS:

• Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card is recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is also highly recommended for protection and ease of use.  
• Bee sting kit for those allergic to bees.
• Cards, Games, Books, Musical instruments, journal, etc.
• Plastic garbage bags (2-3) for separating dirty/wet clothing.
• Hiking poles.

AT THE LODGE OR IN CAMP:

• 1 pair of evening shoes (tennis shoes, sandals, hiking shoes, etc.)
• 1 pair light trousers (jogging pants, sweats, khaki pants, etc.)
• Sundress - ladies
• 1 synthetic light or mid-weight fleece/sweater
• 1 button up shirt
• Insect repellent
• Small flashlight
• Personal toiletries
• Socks & Undergarments 

 *** Since the lodges use generators for electricity, please no hair dryers or curling irons.

LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™ or polyester. A cotton T-shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use. 

• LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. A snug-fitting underwear or mid-weight fleece layer made of synthetic fibers work best. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
• LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
• LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well! 

FISHING

If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan.  Oregon fishing licenses are required if you plan on fishing.  Fishing on the Rogue is best in the fall.   You can pre-purchase a license online at https://or.outdoorcentral.us/or/license or by calling (503) 947-6101.

LIQUOR AND FAVORITE BEVERAGES

ROW packs moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal age guests.  If you bring your own liquor or other personal favorite beverages, please give it to your guide in its original container.  Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles please.  Bottled wine is fine.  Liquor in Oregon is sold in State Liquor Stores with limited hours.  It may be easiest to purchase your liquor or other favorite beverages at home or on the way to the river trip, rather than after the pre-trip meeting at Morrison's Lodge.

Weather Report - Check the weather before you go

Exploring Southern Oregon - Rogue River extension ideas

Rogue River Reading List  - Some of our favorite books about the Rogue River 

Travel Oregon - Oregon State travel website

Rogue River Trail Guide - Details of hiking the Rogue River trail

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.