North Fork Rogue River

This is a good run any time of year, especially in mid summer when other runs fall too low. You can run it in conjunction with a Rogue River wilderness trip, or as part of an extended Oregon rivers tour. Some of my friends say this run is their favorite anywhere. I would not go that far, but it is excellent for whitewater and scenery.

Upstream are two interesting runs. The 3.8 mile run immediately upstream is rated IV+ in the AWA river database, however it passes thru Takelma Gorge, which because of logs is usually class V. The 3 mile run above that from Natural Bridge to Woodruff Bridge is also rated class IV+ but is popular at low flow when it more like class IV.

mile 0

Good access at the River Road bridge near River Bridge campground, or upstream in the campground itself, at a shaded turn-around area. You can also put in two miles upstream below Takelma Gorge, but this involves a long carry to the river.

.2

Long and winding class II rapid around some islands.

.5

First ledge with low-water passage on the right side. The middle and left are runnable only at high flows. Afterwards you encounter only mild rapids for another half mile.

Downstream view from bridge	Surprisingly tricky hole at First Ledge

1.0

Class II rapid before a left bend, marking the start of larger rapids.

1.1

Second ledge, class III-III+ usually. Easy whitewater leads to a sudden river-wide drop, possibly recirculating at high flows. At low flows the best route slants center to left.

1.3

Class III rapid where the river turns right at a rock outcropping. A less-significant rapid follows in .2 mile after a left bend.

Second ledge at moderate flow	Outcrop right-turn rapid

2.2

Switcheroo, class III+, perhaps the most difficult rapid on this run. You usually need to start on river left because of rocks on the right, but unless you work far right before the end, you will encounter some flipper holes and/or large rocks. Many lesser rapids follow.

2.4

Curves, a series of rapids at a left bend, then a right bend.

Switcheroo not showing flipped boat	Raft in the middle of Curves

2.7

Exception, similar to Switcheroo but you can finish center or right. Another left-finisher is .15 mile below. After this rapids taper off.

3.5

Habitations visible on the left bank.

3.8

Gauging station, unfortunately not with transmitted flow.

4.1

Island, class IV- on left, class III on right. At lower flows the left channel contains a choice of airplane turn, tight slot, or steep falls.

4.3

Slack water of reservoir begins, though the banks remain forested for another half mile.

Island rapid showing left side	Near beginning of slack water

5.2

Take out on the left within sight of the dam. Shortly uphill is a nice picnic area and gravel parking lot.

Shuttle Directions

To reach take-out from Medford, turn north at exit 30 onto highway 62 east, and drive about 40 miles towards the small town of Prospect. Along the way, good camping is available near Lost Creek reservoir. About two miles past the penstocks and .7 mile past the river bridge, just past milepost 45, highway 62 crosses a canal. Turn left immediately on a dirt road marked North Fork Recreation Area and proceed .4 mile to the picnic area and parking lot.

To reach put-in from there, return to highway 62 (east). Food and lodging are available off-highway in nearby Prospect. Drive north four miles and turn left on a dirt road to River Bridge campground. You reach the put-in bridge after .9 mile.

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