Nugget Falls rafting from Gold Hill: Class II-IV rapids

Nugget Falls and Powerhouse: the Rogue's premier rapids in three hours

Half-day white water rafting on the Rogue River near Gold Hill, Oregon, where you paddle or assist through Class II-IV rapids including the signature Nugget Falls and Powerhouse drops. The trip runs three hours and includes a professional guide, all safety gear, a shuttle from the put-in, and snacks. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the pace suits beginners through experienced paddlers.

The experience

The Nugget Falls and Powerhouse section is the most intense stretch of the entire Rogue River. You start in Gold Hill, a few miles off I-5 Exit 35, and work through a handful of Class II rapids and wave trains before reaching the two signature drops: Nugget Falls and Powerhouse (also called Ti'lomikh Falls), that make this trip stand out. The whole run takes three hours.

You choose your role before the trip starts. Stern Drive Paddle Rafting puts your guide at the back of the boat with a frame-mounted oar rig while you and the crew help navigate with paddles. This option suits beginners and families because the guide steers and you assist. Paddle Boating puts more responsibility on the paddle crew: your guide gives commands and steers from the back with a paddle, and the team has to work together with power and precision to hit the rapids right. Both options run the same water and the same rapids. The difference is how much of the steering falls to you.

The package includes a professional guide, life jackets, a dry bag for your phone and keys, a cooler, water and snacks, and a shuttle back to the start. Wet suits, splash jackets and river shoes are available if you need them. The trip is safe for ages 6 to 86, though the operator notes it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Professional white water guide.
• life jackets.
• dry bag for personal items.
• wet suits, splash jackets and river shoes if needed.
• cooler with water, soda and snacks.
• shuttle from the put-in.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 14:00 and 14:15

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Jefferson State Outfitters

Is this one for you?Choose Stern Drive Paddle Rafting if you want to experience the rapids with a guide in control and you assisting. This works for beginners, families and anyone who wants to enjoy the water without steering responsibility. Pick Paddle Boating if you want the crew to drive the decisions: you'll paddle on command and work together to navigate, which suits paddlers who have done this before or want a more active role.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Nugget Falls and Powerhouse on the Rogue River?

Nugget Falls and Powerhouse (Ti'lomikh Falls) are the two signature rapids on this section of the Rogue River and the reason this trip is known as the most exciting white water run on the river. Both are Class III-IV drops that come after you paddle through smaller Class II rapids and wave trains.

Can I do this rafting trip if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The Stern Drive Paddle Rafting option is designed for beginners and families: your guide operates the main oar rig and you help with paddles, so the guide controls the boat through the rapids. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the trip suits all fitness levels.

What's the difference between Stern Drive Paddle Rafting and Paddle Boating?

Stern Drive Paddle Rafting puts your guide in control with an oar frame while you assist with paddles, better for beginners. Paddle Boating puts the paddle crew in charge: your guide gives commands and steers from the back with a paddle, so you and the team must work together with power and precision to navigate the rapids. Both run the same water.

How long does the trip take from start to finish?

The rafting itself takes three hours on the water. The trip starts in Gold Hill, only a few miles off I-5 Exit 35, and includes a shuttle back to the put-in at the end.

What gear and safety equipment do I get?

Life jackets, a dry bag for personal items, wet suits and splash jackets if needed, river shoes, and a cooler with water, soda and snacks are all included. You bring your own swimsuit and towel.