Turning Your Rogue River Rafting Trip Into The Ultimate Southern Oregon Family Road Trip
The Rogue River offers one of the best all-around, family-friendly overnight rafting trips in the Western United States. The Rogue is home to unmatched natural beauty, thrilling whitewater, quiet seclusion, abundant wildlife, and rich history. The river is nestled in the mountains of southern Oregon and close to several of Oregon’s natural wonders. There are endless ways to turn your family rafting trip on the Rogue River into the ultimate southern Oregon family road trip and vacation!
Photo: Rogue River Keepers
Turn off to Crater Lake National Park
For those traveling south on I-5 to southern Oregon, set aside a few extra days before your rafting trip to visit Crater Lake National Park. Hwy 138 east from Roseburg, Oregon will take travelers along the stunningly North Umpqua River, past Cascade Mountain peaks and Diamond Lake to Crater Lake National Park. Additional stop before taking the turn off: Spend some time visiting and touring the renowned wineries and small farms in Roseburg’s Umpqua Valley. (P.S. A glass of Pinot Noir tastes exceptionally good while relaxing in a camp chair along the banks of the Rogue River after a full day of rafting!)
Photo: Cooper Ridge Vineyard
Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park, and home to one the world’s most pristine lakes and environments. With an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, cycling, camping, boat tours, and the scenic rim drive, this national park is well worth the detour.
Photo: Crater Lake National Park Service
Continue to the Oregon Coast
The Foster Bar Boat Launch is the take-out for multi-day rafting trips on the Rogue River and is located a mere 35 miles from Gold Beach on the Oregon coast. River Drifters can help guests arrange to have their personal vehicle(s) shuttled to the take-out at Foster Bar. With your vehicle waiting, it’s an easy escape to the beautiful Oregon coast after a fantastic rafting trip.
Whether you head north or south on Hwy 101, or stay in Gold Beach, the Oregon coast offers endless beauty and family-friendly activities. State parks, recreation sites, and quaint beach towns dot the coastline and Hwy 101 and lend themselves to numerous opportunities for hiking, kayaking, whale watching, beach combing, crabbing, and fishing. Redwoods National Park, just a 2 hour drive south of Gold Beach, is also within easy driving distance for families who want to take their coastal adventures even further.
Photo: Gold Beach,Travel Oregon
More Ideas…
Other areas in Southern Oregon worth keeping on your travel radar include Jacksonville, Oregon, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refugee, and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.
The Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is 40 miles and perfectly done in 4-days, 3-nights, with plenty of time for side hikes, excursions, and stops at historic sites and lodges throughout the rafting trip. A 4-day trip also provides families with the time to extend their week’s vacation, explore Oregon’s outdoor recreation destinations, and design the ultimate southern Oregon family road trip.
Photo: Lower Kelsey Camp, Rogue River, River Drifters
For more information, check out our current 4-day Rogue River booking dates here. We look forward to having you and your family join us on your ultimate southern Oregon family river and road trip!