Rafting in Rogue River at Shady Cove, Oregon

Known as the "Jewel of the Upper Rogue," Shady Cove is nestled on the shores of the river's clear blue-green waters. A popular fishing destination for steelhead trout and salmon, this stretch of the Rogue River near Shady Cove makes an enjoyable family day trip. Adjoining segments of the Rogue can provide overnight adventure or thrilling hydraulics.

  1. History

    • Named for the fierce Takelma Indians who lived along its shores, the "River of Rogues" provided abundant hunting and fishing for its original inhabitants. European fur trappers exploited the wealth of pelts before discovering gold along its banks in 1851. An influx of miners extracted over $70 million from the Rogue before the precious metals dwindled.

      The Rogue's fame continued into the 20th century, becoming popular with Hollywood actors and filmmakers for its fishing and scenery, with such films as "Rooster Cogburn" being filmed along its shores. River rafters have joined the fishermen who flock to its waters for year-round sport in the mild climate.

    Family Day Trip

    • A 13-mile gentle day trip begins at McGregor Recreation Area 13 miles upstream from Shady Grove. Novices will experience thrills as they navigate their raft through class I and II rapids. Appropriate for families with small children, an average of two rapids per mile give time to stop along the banks for a picnic or swim along the shore. Take your raft off the river at Upper Rogue Regional Park, where barbecue facilities await an evening cookout.

    Overnight Rafting

    • For a multi-day adventure, continue your river adventure downstream from Shady Cove for an additional day. While camping is not allowed at Upper Rogue Regional Park, commercial riverside campgrounds and motels, as well as a variety of restaurants serve up the luxuries of civilization before continuing your river adventure. On day two, travel another 17 miles to Gold Ray Dam.

    Whitewater Adventure

    • Beginning its journey to the sea at Crater Lake, the high mountain headwaters of the Rogue serve up class III through V rapids en route to the McGregor Recreation area. Downstream from Gold Ray Dam, the river again takes on its wild side with class III and IV rapids on its 235-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean.

    Permits

    • No permits or launch fees are required at the sections near Shady Cove. However, the two wild and scenic river portions are controlled by permits from June 1 to Sept. 15 to limit the effect of too many visitors on the river.