The Rogue River
The source of the Rogue River is a spring at the bottom of Crater Lake, which is located in the caldera of an extinct volcano (Mount Mazama), some 128 miles to the east of Gold Beach. The Rogue River twists and turns over 235 miles and drops thousands of feet as it makes its way through the coastal mountain range to the coast. The "Wild River" section of the river stretches from Graves Creek near Grant's Pass to the mouth of the river in Gold Beach. The first thirty five miles of that section is being protected as a wilderness and the remaining forty nine miles has been given scenic and recreational designations. The federal and state statutes and regulations that go along with these designations limit what can and can not be done along the course of the river.
The upper reaches of the Rogue and its tributaries support rainbow, brook, cutthroat and even a few brown trout. The lower Rogue supports Chinook and Coho salmon, as well as Steelhead trout. These last three are anadromous species meaning that they go to sea for long periods of time before returning to the place of their birth to spawn. Sport fishing on the Rogue River is one of the most important activities in this part of Oregon. Salmon and steelhead are considered to be worthy opponents and the Rogue is considered to be one of the finest fishing experiences that there is anywhere in the world. Depending on one's preferences, it is possible to fish from the banks of the river or use a small drift or power boat in the river itself. Numerous guides offer their services and it is possible to rent everything that one needs from rods and reels to boats and guides.
Hiking along the river itself and on numerous trails that branch off from it is another popular activity that can include access to some of the finest swimming holes that can be found anywhere in the world. A panoply of wild animals inhabit the terrain around the river and can be seen frequently along it. Bald eagles and osprey fish in the river and bear, elk and deer roam the forests on both banks. The most popular river trips on the Rogue include commercial jet boat trips between Gold Beach and Agness and raft trips from Graves Creek to Illahe, but there are a lot of other ways to experience the river.
Our three very comfortable Winter Springs Ranch vacation homes make an excellent base camp for your exploration of the Rogue River and its tributaries. Spend the day in the wild and return in the evening to the comfort and privacy of your own vacation home - complete with a soothing hot tub and a magnificent view. Give us a call and we will help you arrange your vacation so that it is everything that you want it to be.
