From Source to Sea

On New Years day of this year, Grants Pass local, Kirk Sager embarked on a historic journey, to float the Rogue River.  He wanted to treat himself to a very special 50th Birthday present.  He floated a total of 157 miles of the Rogue, from Lost Creek Lake to Gold Beach, in six days!  Solo! 
This makes him the first known person to raft without having to portage his boat around any dams. 

“It ended up being one of the best experiences of my life,” Sager said. “There was almost no one else on the river, and the solitude of the canyon was so deep. Each section had its own beauty, its own character.”

Kirk Sager arriving at Gold Beach, OR.
Photo courtesy Jot's Resort.

“I honestly can’t wait to do it again,” he said. “If you’re prepared, I think everyone should do a trip like this at least once. The beauty of our river is unbelievable. There’s nothing like it.”

60,000 More Wilderness Acres? We'll take it!

Oregon's U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced legislation that would add some 60,000 acres of new wilderness area.  It is called the Rogue Wilderness Area Expansion Act of 2011.

This bill would add the Zane Grey Roadless Area to the current 35,800 acre Wild Rogue Wilderness as well as an additional 143 miles of tributaries that feed into the Rogue.  This includes 93 new miles of Wild & Scenic protection!  It just keeps getting better in Oregon.

Stair Creek Falls, Rogue River
Image: Jared Cruce

 "The Rogue River area is part of the lifeblood of southern Oregon's recreational economy," Wyden said in a prepared statement.  "It attracts thousands of hikers, rafters and outdoor enthusiasts every year and pumps an average of $13 million into the local economy."
"These proposed protections emerged from discussions between environmental and business groups who realize protecting Oregon's natural resources like the Rogue is in the best interest of all Oregonians," he added.

Senator Merkeley had this to say about the area:
"The Rogue River and surrounding wild areas are one of Oregon's true gems — known around the world for world-class fishing and recreation.  This bill will strengthen protection of the Rogue's natural heritage, protect key species, including salmon and steelhead, and bring increased tourism and economic activity to the region."
Thank you Senator Wyden and Merkeley.  Let's hope this bill passes.

Mt. Ashland Ski Area

Thinking of visiting the Rogue River area this Winter/Spring?  Are you looking for something to do when the snow starts to fly?  How about skiing or riding Mt. Ashland?  It is a great way to stay in shape for summer hiking activities.  It is a wonderful mountain that has an intimate old school vibe.
The mountain is conveniently located off of I-5.

Facts:
Adult Lift Ticket: $41, Youth Lift Ticket: $31
Base Elevation: 6,338', Summit Elevation: 7,533'
Annual Snowfall: 285"
Driving There:
  From Redding, CA: 134 miles
  From Eugene, OR: 196 miles

Current Web Cam View:

Hiking the Wild and Scenic Rogue River

Is winter starting to get you down already?  Dreaming of summertime?
Now is the time to start planning your adventures for next summer.  How about hiking the 40 mile Rogue River National Recreation Trail? 
The trail officially starts at Grave Creek, which is also the beginning of the Wild & Scenic stretch of the Rogue River and ends at Foster Bar which is 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  Along the way you will see many different types of creatures such as Bald Eagles, Black Bears, Rattle Snakes and Newts. 
The wildlife and scenery are outstanding!


The Rogue River Trail in Mule Creek Canyon



If carrying a heavy pack with your sleeping bag and tent is not your idea of fun then you can stay at the lodges that are on the river.  Lodges such as Black Bar, Marial and Paradise usually have vacancies in the spring when hiking is at its best!

Black Bar Lodge

Another option is a raft supported hiking trip where you stay at a wilderness lodge.  On these trips all you need to carry is a snack, water and map.  The river guides will carry and make your lunch for you as well as float your gear to the lodge each day.  The best of all worlds! 





*All pictures by Jared Cruce

Wilderness Victory

Last month the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals put an end to the final legal challenges to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.  The decade of lawsuits that sought loopholes in the law for logging and mining interests is now over.  Oregon's wilderness areas are now protected.
This is great news for wildlife, wilderness areas, and recreationists! 

- Oregonians submitted more comments than any other state
- The Roadless Rule prevents new roads and resource extraction
- Almost two million acres of Oregon's pristine backcountry areas are protected
- 60 million acres are protected in the US

You can read the courts decision here www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/09/09-8075.pdf .

Osprey looking for a snack on the Rogue River.

Wild and Scenic

In 1968 Congress created the Wild and Scenic River Act.  It was created to "Preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations."  The Rogue River was one of the original eight rivers to be given Wild and Scenic status.
This act protects 203 rivers with a total of 12,598 river miles! On the other hand, there are about 75,000 dams that impact 600,000 river miles.

Besides keeping the river free of dams it also protects the land on either side of the river around one-quarter mile up the bank.  This helps to make the Rogue a great river to visit and whitewater raft on!
The latest issue of National Geographic Magazine has a great article on Wild and Scenic rivers if you would like to learn more.

*Photo by Jared Cruce.

Dam Removal

Savage Rapids Dam
Gold Hill Diversion Dam
Elk Creek Dam
Gold Ray Dam

What do all of these dams have in common?  They are all dams that impacted the Rogue River and have been breached within the last four years.  There are many benefits to dam removal, such as natural river flows, cooler water, improved water quality and sediment transport.  All of these benefits lead to native resident and migratory species recovery.  This is great news for the Rogue's Salmon population and in turn the entire watershed.  It also makes for a more rewarding rafting experience.
The Rogue is a free flowing river for 157 miles!  It flows from the William L. Jess Dam on Lost Creek Lake to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach.

Below is an impressive video that shows what an initial dam breech looks like.  It was filmed at the Condit Dam on the White Salmon River in Washington which was breached Wednesday.