GPS Coordinates: 42.7420726, -124.4608629

REGIONS > WESTERN OREGON​​​ > ROGUE RIVER VALLEY
​
One of the best known rivers in Oregon, this 215 miles (346 km) waterway begins near Crater Lake, cuts through parts of the Cascade and Klamath Mountains, and enters the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. 

The river has enticed people to its banks for centuries, with some archaeologists estimating the area has been continually inhabited for over 8,000 years. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the river’s abundance of American beaver culminated in wide-spread trapping and ultimately the depletion of the species.

Today, however, the Rogue’s economic value is realized mostly through tourism and recreation. The rugged landscape through which much of the river passes includes waterfalls, white water rapids, and areas virtually untouched by humanity. This makes the river a popular destination for kayakers and other outdoor adventurers. One of the most popular ways to explore the Rogue is by jet-boat. And though ripping up and down the river is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon, some of the jet-boat excursions may last several days and take you as far as 100 miles (162 km) into the Rogue River Gorge.

Because the Rogue flows through mostly rural areas, communities along its banks are often small and isolated.  Larger towns on the Rogue include  Communities along its course include Grants Pass and Gold Beach. 

Explore the Rogue River Area:

Representative Species for the Rogue River:

Suggested Activities for the Rogue River: