A fun activity in Gold Beach is to take a trip up the Rogue River. The only commercial operator is Jerry's Rogue Jets. In 1895, the Rogue River Mail Boats were used to deliver mail to residents on the Rogue River. Today, the boats still deliver mail but take tourists as well. There are a few additional options for adventure.
There are 3 tour options:
The Historic "Mail Boat" Route--a 64 mile round trip ride--$68, 4 1/2 hours.
80-mile round trip express white water ride--$89, 4 1/2 hours
104-mile round trip white water ride to Blossom Bar Rapid--$109, 7 hours
If you don't want to get wet, choose option #1. If you are short on time, choose option #2. We choose option #3, which allowed us to go as far as the boats could travel. Included in all tours is a meal at Cougar Lane Lodge.
Online reservations are recommended. You'll need to pick up a boarding pass (which also serves as your meal ticket) at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. When you pick up the pass doesn't determine the order of boarding. If you want to have your choice of seats, stand in front of the gate leading down to the boats.
Sitting in front means you're more likely to get wet.
The first 32 miles is a gentle ride up the Rogue River. You can see wildlife along the banks and if you're really lucky, you might even see a bear. We saw ospreys and a bald eagle but no mammals.
An osprey hanging out on the river's edge.
You'll pass under several bridges.
Be sure to bring a hat that you can secure and clothes that dry quickly. You'll also want something warm in the early morning or evening, when it can get chilly. You can store a backpack under the seats and it's not likely to get wet.
The mail route ends at Agness. On the 104 mile trip, you'll stop for a bathroom break going upriver.
After Agness, the whitewater starts. Everyone is required to wear a life jacket after Agness.
Your boat captain navigates the rapids and will spin the boat for added adventure. Be ready to get wet on this portion.
The 104-mile trip ends at Blossom Bar and you turn around.
On the return trip, you'll stop at Cougar Lane Lodge in Agness for a meal. This was the Rogue River Pit Meal--2 baby back ribs, pulled pork, smoked brisket, corn muffin, baked beans, coleslaw and a slice of watermelon. You also got a soft drink, iced tea or water. Alcoholic beverages were available for purchase. I was quite surprised that the meal was actually pretty good. Other options included Chicken Caesar salad, Veggie wrap or burger and kid options of chicken strips, cheeseburger and cheese quesadilla.
Getting back to the home base, we saw seals sunning themselves.
2021 07 06
Comments