Ride the rapids, go fishing, hike and camp along this renowned Southern Oregon Coast river.
Stretching about 215 miles from the Crater Lake area to the Pacific Ocean, the Rogue is one of Oregon’s most beloved rivers. Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply looking for peaceful riverbank views on Oregon’s South Coast, it’s worth checking out this state treasure. Here’s how to do it, all in one long weekend.
Day 1: Jet-Boat Adventure and Local Seafood
Kick-start your first morning at Kissing Rock Coffee, where the fair-trade, organic coffee beans are air-roasted right in Gold Beach, or a light breakfast of baked goods at the walk-up window at Leavened Bread. Then head to Jerry’s Rogue Jets, a time-honored way to experience the river with a local guide. You’ll find scenery so spectacular that it will rival the upper part of the Rogue, which is designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
For the full river experience, try one of the trips that last four to six hours. The classic tour takes you along a relatively smooth former mail route that was used by postmen around the turn of the 20th century, when road access to the area was limited. Guides point out osprey nests, eagles and wildlife in the forested hills. Jerry’s also has a couple of exhilarating whitewater adventures, including one that goes 104 miles upriver. All of the longer tours include a lunch stop in Agness at either Cougar Lane Lodge or Singing Springs Resort, great places to stay the night if you’re looking for a rural escape east of Gold Beach. If you prefer camping, Foster Bar Campground sits along the river and features a nearby boat ramp — the eight sites are first-come, first-served.
After your adventure, stop by Jerry’s gift shop and museum to learn a bit about the history of the river and pick up souvenirs to commemorate your adventure. Nearby Fisherman Direct Seafoods market has cans of smoked salmon and locally made pickles to take home. Then head over to Woggy’s food truck for fish and chips made with the catch of the day or to Spinner’s for a fine dining experience complete with steaks and seafood.
Day 2: Fishing on the Rogue River and Lodging With Views
Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast at Indian Creek Cafe at the Indian Creek RV Park. Its famously tasty breakfasts like eggs Benedict and fluffy pancakes draw in plenty of visitors. Once you’re fueled up, head to the river for a day of fishing.
Fishers from across the country come to these waters to try their luck at catching chinook salmon and steelhead. Take a guided trip led by companies such as Memory Makers Guide Service, Helen’s Guide Service or Rogue River Outfitters, which take guests out onto the Rogue aboard drift boats. If you prefer solo fishing, it’s worth stopping at Rogue Outdoor Store in Gold Beach for tackle or tips about fishing conditions.
Camping and lodging options abound in town, but for a special occasion or luxurious splurge, book a cozy resort-style lodge room or futuristic mirrored cabin at the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge. The property features an expansive lawn overlooking the Rogue River and its own garden. Dine in-house on Wagyu steak and seasonal pastas, with an impressive wine selection from the Rogue Valley and beyond.
Day 3: Hike Locally, Buy Locally
Start your final day with a hike in the Wild Rogue Wilderness, a 35,000-plus-acre expanse that surrounds the river. The 7.2-mile Panther Ridge Trail, about an hour’s drive northeast of Agness via Agness Road (NF-33), is a popular choice.
After your hike, stop at Groundlings Pizza Co., which dishes up innovative wood-fired pies in a gorgeous space with unobstructed views of the river, or the Old Agness Store for sandwiches and soup. Wrap up your trip with a bit of final souvenir shopping in Gold Beach, where you can pick up wood carvings made from a local tree species at Rogue River Myrtlewood or locally made handicrafts at The Little Green House. Be sure to drop by Gold Beach Books & Art Gallery to browse a large selection of specially curated books and check out the marine life-inspired sculptures, many by Pacific Northwest artists.
Top photo of the Rogue River by Manuela Durson
