Rogue River Report

A couple of weeks ago, we had some folks from the O.A.R.S. HQ head up to Oregon for a Rogue River trip. Southern Oregon’s Rogue River was among the first to receive Wild and Scenic status. To honor the river’s historic importance and to kick off the 40th anniversary year, O.A.R.S. recently launched a special dory expedition, including David Moryc, Director, American Rivers’ Go Wild! Initiative, Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director, Tyler Wendt, O.A.R.S. Operations Manager, as well as a team of guides, guests and international members of the press.

O.A.R.S. has been collaborating with American Rivers for more than a year to promote the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. American Rivers, founded in 1973, is the leading national organization standing up for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. They currently claim more than 65,000 members and supporters nationwide.

Tyler Wendt, our Operations Manager, had this to report: “What a great trip! The river was really running high, which washed out most of the rapids. It was a favorable flow for assisting our deft dory guide Nick Grimes keep the Great Thumb (a dory) off the rocks, though. Marketing Maharishi, Steve Markle, did well during some practice “behind the sticks”, demonstrating the range of his diverse skill set. (He was, however, the only involuntary swimmer of the trip, getting tossed like a rag doll from his IK in a rapid of little note.)

I’ll mention with appreciation the efforts of Rogue Manager Kate Wollney for leading a silky-smooth affair, American River’s David Moryc for bringing his message on Saving the Wild Rogue (www.savethewildrogue.org) and to Kenton Hayes for driving the Great Thumb over from Lewiston, Idaho. Fun group, gorgeous river, can’t wait to go back.”

Steve Markle added, “David Moryc of American Rivers was a great addition to the trip. He spoke passionately about the Rogue River and the need to designate many of its tributaries as Wild & Scenic before the 40th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act in October of this year. I spoke with him at some length about the behind the scenes work they’re doing in Washington, and David gave several presentations to the group about the history of the area and how we as members of the rafting community -and as individuals- can help lend support for Wild & Scenic legislation on some of our favorite rivers.”

“The rafting trip itself was beyond all expectations. I’ve paddled rivers all around the Western US and internationally and I can honestly say that the Rogue ranks among my absolute favorites. The lush green scenery of mixed conifer and hard woods is unlike any river I’ve ever experienced. The sleek and twisted Madrona trees were particularly impressive among the forest canyon walls and countless waterfalls cascaded into the river around every bend. The river was at relatively high water at roughly 7500 CFS, but the rapids were generally friendly and inconsequential (I should know as the lone swimmer in the group). That said, Rainey Falls and Blossom Bar were as intimidating as any Class IV rapid I’ve ever run and the whole group made it through each rapid unscathed, fearless duckies (i.e., inflatable kayaks) included.”

“I was fortunate to be in the dory with veteran dory guide Nick Grimes for the ride through Mule Creek Canyon as my fiancé Nichole braved the precipitous rapids and the “land of the lost” boils and whirlpools in an inflatable kayak. (Nice work Nichole!) Perhaps only Lava Canyon on the Chilko River in British Columbia compares in terms of pure scenic beauty to the narrow canyon walls of Mule Creek Canyon.”

“Along the way we saw hikers and trail runners (yea, seriously…) moving above and alongside the river on the Rogue River Trail, which I vow to return and hike (not run) some day. We saw countless osprey and deer, and Nichole even spotted a black bear across the river from camp one night.”

“The highlight however, had to be the hike up Tate’s Creek to a natural waterslide that plunges about 15 feet into a cool clear pool. By scrambling up the side of the canyon with the help of a knotted rope, we took turns tucking and sliding into the cold water below.”

“What can I say, we lucked out with the weather and the company couldn’t have been better. If you ask me there’s no better way to spend a few days than on The River with friends and loved ones…”