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Travel Planning Page
Rogue River Lodge to Lodge

Rogue River Travel Planning

BEGINS: 8:15 AM, Merlin, OR
TRIP LENGTH: 3 or 4 days, 40 miles
MINIMUM AGE: 7
SEASON: May - October

FEATURING: The Wild & Scenic Section of the Rogue River

  • RAFTING: Class II-IV whitewater combined with calm stretches
  • BOAT TYPE: Oar Boat, Paddle Raft, Inflatable Kayak
  • HIKING: Short walks to longer, more difficult hikes (all optional)
  • LODGE TO LODGE TRIPS: Comfortable beds with all bedding, bathrooms with towels, water-resistant bags for rafting
  • CAMPING TRIPS: Sleeping pads, tents, sleeping bags, chairs, water-resistant bags for rafting
  • MEALS: Dinner and Breakfast are served at each lodge with lunch prepared on the river for you between departure & return. Camping trips include breakfast lunch and dinner prepared on the river.
  • TRANSFERS: Bus from Morrison’s Lodge, Merlin, OR to Rand Boat ramp. Return from Foster Bar takeout to Morrison’s Lodge in Merlin, OR.
  • ENDS: Approximately 6:00 PM - Morrison’s Lodge, Merlin, OR

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Rogue River Map

Rogue River Map

Physical Requirements on a Rogue River Rafting Trip

Please consider carefully any medical or health condition that would endanger yourself, or others on the trip, or diminish the enjoyment of an adventure vacation such as this. Factors of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease can become exacerbated by the environment, remote distances from a hospital, and physical challenges of a rafting adventure. It is critical that you are in reasonable health and physical fitness at the time of departure so that our staff can focus their attention equally on all trip participants.

Read More about Physical Requirements

Itinerary & Travel Details

Rogue River rafting is unlike anything else in the United States. Where else can you raft a wilderness river and stay in a comfortable lodge each evening? Only a few river outfitters have the ability to offer the unique Rogue River lodge-to-lodge rafting trips.

The Rogue River rafting trip is one of the most famous whitewater river adventures in the American West, and for good reason. Flowing from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon rafting trip takes place on the most scenic section of the river, which flows through the heart of the Rogue River Wilderness. Fun, intermediate rapids, warm water, and a green-forested canyon make rafting the Rogue River the perfect natural playground for the best whitewater rafting experience. To top it off, each night you stay at a remote riverside lodge where you enjoy your room with a private bathroom.

During the day, you raft through the Rogue River's splashy rapids and, in the quiet pools between, watch for deer, black bears, river otters, and various birds that make this canyon their home. Like all the best whitewater rafting trips in the world, there's plenty of variety along the way, including walks to historic homesteads and superb hiking trails. Few rivers offer such a magical blend of fun suitable for all ages.

​DAY PRIOR »

Travel to Merlin, Oregon to meet your Team Leader at Morrison's Lodge at 5:45 pm for a one-hour orientation meeting to answer last-minute questions. You will receive your waterproof gear bags to pack. Dinner is on your own.

​DAY ONE »

We will depart at 8:00 am from Morrison's Lodge and drive to Rand Boat Launch, where you will be fitted with lifejackets and will get an orientation of the boats before launch.

NOTE: Anyone who drove their vehicle to Merlin can park in a secure area at Morrison's Lodge during the Rogue River rafting trip.

Rafting on the Rogue starts gently, but it isn’t long before we come to our first fun rapids. Lunch on the first day is around the Class V rafting rapid called Rainie Falls (guests walk around this rapid). The afternoon is filled with several Class II and Class III rapids. We arrive at Black Bar Lodge around 4:30 or 5:00 pm.

Hors d’oeuvres are prepared while you freshen up and get assigned to a room. Short hikes around the area are encouraged as the family-style meal is prepared. After dinner, guests can play cards, visit, play the lodge guitar, or go outside and gaze at a star-filled sky. Around 10:00 pm, Black Bar Lodge's generator is shut down, so we encourage you to bring flashlights since the property can get very dark.

​DAY TWO »

Breakfast is served around 7:30 am with coffee and tea available beforehand. Gear will be carried from the lodge to the boats where an amazing day on the Rogue River will begin.

Today, on your Rogue River rafting trip, you go through a series of bouncing, exciting Class II and III rapids. We stop for lunch along the way, perhaps at a historic site or spot with a good walk. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at the Rogue River Ranch. The Rogue River Ranch is a fascinating place to visit and a vivid example of early pioneer history.

Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Marial Lodge, home for our second night. After dinner, one of our guides will generally lead guests on a hike down a trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall. Then enjoy the deck with calming river canyon views before heading to bed, dreaming about what is next on this Oregon rafting trip!

DAY THREE »

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and quiet. Breakfast is served around 8:00 am. After breakfast, everyone packs up and returns for rafting on the Rogue River around 9:00 am. The third day is where the best whitewater occurs on the Rogue River. Guests will experience famous rapids like Mule Creek Canyon, Blossom Bar, and Devil's Staircase rapids, all of which are Class IV.

After those three rapids, the rest of the trip is relatively easy with Class II and III rapids. We stop for another bountiful riverside lunch when the sun is high overhead. Day 3 on a 4-day trip goes at a slower pace, allowing extra time in the afternoon to do some fishing, read a book, play some cards, or enjoy the company of those around you as you settle in at the Half Moon Bar Lodge for your final night.

FINAL DAY On a 3-day trip, you will float to the take-out at Foster Bar, arrival time is about 3:00 pm, and then load up into vans for the two-hour drive over the mountains back to Morrison's Lodge. We plan to have you back to your vehicle around 6:00 pm.

DAY FOUR »

FINAL DAY On 4-day trip »

After our final lunch on this Rogue River rafting adventure, we continue to the take-out at Foster Bar. Arrival time is about 3:00 pm, and then we load up into vans for the two-hour drive over the mountains back to Morrison's Lodge. We plan to have you back to your vehicle around 6:00 pm

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WHERE/WHEN TO MEET

Rogue River Rafting Morrisons Lobby

Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge »

LOCATION:
8500 Galice Rd, Merlin, OR 97532

Meet the day before trip departure for an orientation meeting at 7:00 PM

NOTE: For those choosing to stay somewhere other than Morrison’s Lodge, you must arrive at the designated time and place mentioned above.

DEPARTURE:
Shuttle from Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge to Rand Boat Ramp.

RETURN:
At the end of your Rogue River rafting adventure, a bus will shuttle you back from the Foster Bar take-out to Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge arriving about 6:00 pm PST.

HOW TO GET TO MERLIN, OR

1 - Fly into Medford, OR. For a shuttle from Medford Airport, contact one of the following:

  • Double D Taxi Service: (541) 476-7773
  • Tic Tock Taxi: (541) 727-7791
  • Anywhere Express: (541) 326-9969

2 - Drive your vehicle directly to Merlin, OR. Your vehicle can stay at Morrison’s Lodge while you are on your river trip.

Getting there...

“Anticipation. In love and travel, getting there is half the fun. The lustful impatience, the passionate daydreams, the nerve-wracking waiting… lovers and travelers are all alike when they find themselves on the brink of a new adventure”

Vivian Swift

Expedition Guide

Expedition Guide & Packing List

Want to download (almost all) of this info?

The Expedition Guide for each trip contains the packing list, and most of the info seen on this page. Combine the "offline" handiness of the Expedition Guide with the online resources of this travel planning page.

Keep the PDF on your phone, or print it out for quick "offline" reference.

Download Guide

How to Pack for your Rafting Vacation

Get a better idea of each of the items on your packing list. See an example of each item and understand why we recommend you pack it for the river.


PACKING LIST

Do you REALLY need "Quality" Rain Gear?

Western River Expeditions sent two of our intrepid guides to answer the question once and for all: "What is Quality Rain Gear and Why Do I Need it?"

The Morning of Your Rafting Trip

  • Come dressed and ready to raft (see diagram on Packing List)
  • Check out of your accommodations
  • At your orientation the night before, your guide will give the Day 1 meeting time

Items Provided
  • Professional, licensed guides
  • All meals between trip departure and return
  • All eating utensils and a souvenir insulated bottle
  • Unlimited water
  • Custom rafts
  • US Coastguard approved whitewater life jackets
  • Wilderness First-Aid kit
  • For Lodge to Lodge trips:
    • Daytime dry bags and medium dry bag for personal gear and clothing
  • For Camping trips:
    • Freshly laundered sleeping bag and sheet
    • Tent and ground cover
    • Water-resistant dry bag for sleeping gear and personal duffle bag
Get the Gear with Redrock Outfitters

Through several decades of experience on the river, Western knows what clothing and gear will keep you smiling every second of your adventure. Specifically, we’ve bundled “The Works” for him, for her and one for gear in general. For your convenience, you can order all these items online with Western’s retail division Red Rock Outfitters.

Things to Bring on the River
  • Small, soft sided bag, packed with personal items outlined on the packing list
  • Extra drinks, if desired. (Water is available in unlimited quantities on the boats, at the lodges and in camp. Beer and wine in limited amounts are available at the lodges and in camp).
  • Extra snacks, if desired. (Snacks will be provided during the trip)
  • Photo ID, a major credit card, and cash for gratuities.
  • Camera(s) - Phones as cameras in waterproof cases/sleeves (Cell service unavailable)
Things NOT to bring on the River
  • Unnecessary electronic devices (game devices for kids, etc.)
  • Extra Luggage
  • Valuables
Valuables

You will need a photo ID, a major credit card, and some cash for gratuities. All other valuables and jewelry should be left at home or in a safety deposit box at your hotel. In addition, as a safety precaution we suggest that you not wear rings on the river. Also, each year a few of our guests traveling on airlines arrive without luggage. With this in mind, we recommend keeping medications, prescription glasses, and any essential items you can't easily replace with you.

Extra Luggage

Transfer all your clothing and gear which you will need on your rafting trip to a small, lightweight duffle bag. Identify the duffle bag with label, and leave any extra suitcases or luggage in your vehicle or at the lodge. Please DO NOT BRING SUITCASES on your river trip. As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffle bag as well as the sleeping bag that we provide.

Post-Trip Travel Information »

Rogue River Black Bar Lodge Entry

As you near the end of your Rogue River rafting journey, keep your eyes open for wildlife of all kinds; you may even see a seal or sea lion. Your trip ends at the Foster Bar takeout, where the Rogue River continues in a generally westward direction to the Pacific Ocean. At the takeout, all gear is unloaded, and a 2-hour ride takes you back to Morrison’s Lodge to complete your expedition on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River.

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Rafts on the Rouge River

The Oar Rig

Guides adeptly maneuver four to six passenger oar rigs. These specially designed 18-foot boats offer a comfortable ride and are “self-bailing” which means that any water that comes into the raft immediately flows back out.

Oar Rig
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Paddle Raft

In conjunction with Oar rigs, the Rogue River trip also offers paddleboats which provide “hands-on” excitement in conquering the waves with a spirited team of 6 to 8 rafters. Paddlers need not have any prior experience as guides will provide ample instruction and ensure everyone’s success.

paddle raft
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Inflatable Kayak (Duckie)

Also known as a “duckie” or “duck,” these two-person inflatable kayaks let you challenge the rapids on your own. They also provide a peaceful and relaxing way to recline and gaze up at the spectacular scenery in the calm stretches of river. If you’ve never paddled before, acquiring some basic paddle skills with the help of a guide takes only a few minutes. Periodically, guides will bring out Inflatable kayaks throughout the trip, and guests can take turns enjoying the ride.

Inflatable Kayak