Rogue River Rafting: Class II Rapids & Swimming Pools

Paddle class II whitewater, then float past canyon walls and swim between the rapids

A full-day rafting trip on the Rogue River through Hellgate Canyon near Ashland, where you paddle class II rapids, float scenic pools, and swim in the river between stretches. The day includes all equipment, lunch, and transportation from the outfitter's store. You choose between an inflatable kayak, a paddle raft, or an oared raft depending on how much paddling you want to do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rogue River Hellgate Canyon Raft Tour

• Get ready for the trip
• Relax between class II rapids
• Enjoy incredible river scenery
• Conclude trip at Torpedo Bar

The experience

The Rogue River section through Hellgate Canyon mixes whitewater and calm water in a single day, so you're not locked into one kind of paddling. You'll see the canyon walls while you're relaxing between the class II rapids: the kind that don't demand expert technique but do ask you to paddle and stay alert. The pools in between are deep enough to jump into and swim, which breaks up the day and lets families with younger kids cool off without fighting current.

You choose your boat at the start: an inflatable kayak if you want to paddle solo, a paddle raft if you want to paddle as a crew, or an oared raft if you'd rather sit and let the guide handle the oars while you take in the scenery. All equipment comes with the trip. The outfitter picks you up from their store, runs the 8-hour day on the water, and brings you back. Lunch is included. After you're off the river, there's time to relax at the Torpedo Bar, a family-friendly spot at the takeout, before heading back.

The trip is built for people new to rivers as much as for those who've paddled before. Kids as young as 5 can come along. If you need a vegetarian meal, let the outfitter know when you book.

What’s included

• All river equipment including your choice of inflatable kayak, paddle raft, or oared raft.
• lunch.
• transportation from and back to the outfitter's store.
• a live guide in English throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 5 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: 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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Orange Torpedo Trips

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with kids from 5 up fit well here because the calm pools and gentle rapids let everyone paddle at their own pace, and the oared raft option means non-paddlers can float and watch the canyon without fighting the current.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What are the class II rapids like on the Rogue River?

Class II rapids on this section require you to paddle and read the water, but they don't demand advanced whitewater skills. You'll navigate them actively, then float calm pools where the canyon scenery takes over.

What's included in the full-day Rogue River trip?

All river equipment, lunch, and transportation to and from the outfitter's store are included. You pick your boat type (inflatable kayak, paddle raft, or oared raft) at the start of the day.

How long is the Rogue River rafting day?

The trip runs 8 hours total, including time on the water, lunch, and a stop at the Torpedo Bar after you come off the river.

Do I have to paddle the whole time?

No. If you choose an oared raft, the guide handles the oars and you sit and take in the canyon. Paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks put you in control of your own boat, but you still float the calm sections between rapids.