Get on the Water in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon is home to some of the West’s most unforgettable whitewater. The Rogue River flows more than 200 miles from the slopes near Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean, carving through rugged wilderness filled with waterfalls, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife. The North Umpqua River, fed by crystal-clear springs near Crater Lake, offers everything from family-friendly floats to exhilarating whitewater through lush forests. And the Upper Klamath River is entering a new chapter, flowing freely for the first time in more than a century following the removal of four hydroelectric dams in 2024—the largest dam removal and river restoration project in U.S. history. Together, these iconic rivers offer adventures for every skill level, from scenic floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids.
Every rafting trip starts with your guide teaching a few safety basics such as wearing your personal flotation device, never standing up in fast-moving water, and holding the handle of your paddle correctly so you don’t whack a comrade in the face. Pay attention and you’ll have a good, safe time. Here are several of Southern Oregon’s top rafting outfitters for your trip-planning inspiration.
Rogue River
In business since 1969, Orange Torpedo offers full- and half-day trips ranging from a gentle sunset tour to a four-hour excursion focusing on the river’s largest commercially rafted rapids. The company also has two- to four-day trips out of Merlin that combine rafting with kayaking, hiking and camping. Contact Orange Torpedo to learn about special trips on its modified raft for wheelchair users.
Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures focuses on what it calls the “recreation stretch” of the Rogue, with moderate Class II to Class III rapids interspersed with calm pools. In addition to joining a group on a raft, participants can also choose to brave the rapids in one-person inflatable kayaks. The company’s multiday trips out of Merlin offer an option of camping or staying in riverside lodges.
For those comfortable without a guide, Raft the Rogue lets you navigate Class I and II rapids of the upper Rogue on your own. You can even bring your dog (consider investing in a canine PFD). The company drives you 11 miles from its parking lot in Shady Cove, then you float back down. Ice chest and water guns are provided.
OARS Rogue River Rafting out of Grants Pass is a big outfit that guides trips nationally and internationally. It’s been guiding rafting trips on the Rogue since 1969 and offers multiday adventures. You can opt for an all-rafting adventure or combine rafting with hiking.
Rogue Rafting Company‘s most popular half-day trip out of Gold Hill starts 10 miles north of Medford and promises 7 miles of beautiful scenery and exciting rapids. Multiday river trips offer camping and lodging options, both of which include gourmet meals. The daylong Zip, Dip and Sip tour combines zip-lining, rafting and wine tasting.
For more Rogue River outfitters and to learn why the Rogue River has reliable flows all season check out How to Raft the Rogue This Summer.
Upper Klamath River
The Klamath River is entering an exciting new era. Following the removal of four hydroelectric dams—the largest dam removal and river restoration project in U.S. history—the Klamath now flows freely from Southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean, creating new opportunities for whitewater adventure and reconnecting hundreds of miles of historic salmon habitat. Today, rafters can experience a revitalized river corridor with dramatic basalt canyons, thrilling Class IV rapids, and newly accessible stretches that had been hidden beneath reservoirs for decades. Outfitters now offer a variety of day and multi-day adventures through the famed Hell’s Corner reach and other newly restored sections, giving visitors a front-row seat to one of the country’s most significant conservation success stories. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or unforgettable scenery, there’s never been a better time to discover the new Upper Klamath.
A family-run company, Indigo Creek Outfitters out of Phoenix offers single and multi-day trips on the Upper Klamath River. Longer trips range from two to three days, with some offering the chance to pair rafting with wine or craft-beer tasting.
A small, guide-owned company, Momentum River Expeditions‘ most popular day trip out of Ashland features more than 30 Class III to Class IV+ rapids on the Upper Klamath. Or choose a two- or three-day multisport rafting safari combining fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, inflatable kayaking and glamping.
North Umpqua River
Fed by cold springs near Crater Lake, the North Umpqua River is a Wild & Scenic waterway known for its crystal-clear water, lush forests, and exciting whitewater. During the prime rafting season from May through July, paddlers can choose everything from scenic family-friendly floats to exhilarating Class II, III, and IV rapids. Beyond the river, the North Umpqua corridor is packed with adventure—from chasing waterfalls along the Highway of Waterfalls and soaking in Umpqua Hot Springs to hiking the renowned North Umpqua Trail—making it easy to turn a rafting trip into a full outdoor getaway.
Guided outfitters like Orange Torpedo offer one- and two-day adventures through exciting Class II and III rapids, while North Umpqua Outfitters provides half-day, full-day, and multi-day rafting and kayaking trips—including overnight experiences in partnership with the Steamboat Inn.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled ride through Class III and IV rapids or a scenic float through dramatic canyons, guided trips on the Wild and Scenic Rogue, Upper Klamath, and Umpqua Rivers showcase both the river’s renowned whitewater and its incredible scenery and ecology.
Story by Teresa Bergen
Updated June 2026
