Illinois
Southern Oregon's Illinois River flows through the heart of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area. Due to the remoteness of the area, fast changing water levels, the beauty of the river canyon, and the difficulty of the run; the Illinois has garnered a reputation of being one of the most sought-after multi-day river trips by experienced boaters. Permits are required for all parties floating the Illinois River. They are self-issued at the Ray's Grocery Store in Selma.
A trip on the Illinois starts at Miami Bar, which is nearly 16 miles down the Illinois River Road from Selma, Oregon. The entire length of the float, from Miami Bar to Oak Flat (near the confluence with the Rogue), is just a hair over 30 miles. Due to the length of the shuttle drive, it is highly recommended that visitors acquire the services of a local shuttle company.
Flows fluctuate quickly on the Illinois. It is crucial to avoid high flows that turn a great class III and IV river into a pummeling and terrifying class V run. An online gage is available at the Northwest River Forecast Center's website. The generally accepted window to run the Illinois is between 800 and 3,000 CFS at the Kerby gage.
The Illinois River has a "pool and drop" character. The rapids for the most part range from class II to IV, but there is one large class V rapid called Green Wall. Green Wall is the crux of the run and can be found at mile 18. After Green Wall, there are several miles of big class III and IV rapids.
Camping on the Illinois is spectacular however there are very few known camps along the river. The most popular camps are Pine Flat (mile 8), Klondike (mile 10), Deadman's Bar (mile 12), South Bend (mile 17), Collier Creek (mile 21), and Horse Sign Creek (mile 29). Trips on the Illinois are normally two or three days in length.
Terrain
Very remote. Lots of bedrock and heavily forested in some areas. This area of the Kalmiopsis was burned in the Biscuit Fire, so look out for dead snags.
Skill Level:
Advanced
Directions & Map:
- From AOS head north on I5.
- Take the first exit in Grants Pass and head South on 199.
- Continue heading South on 199 until reaching Selma (approximately 15 miles).
- Turn right at the yellow blinking light in Selma, which is at the Illinois River Road.
- Continue on the Illinois River Road for nearly 16 miles until you reach Miami Bar.
Resources & Links
- OregonRafting.org's Illinois Description
- Illinois River Flow at Kerby
- Galice Shuttle Service
- Affordable Shuttles
Weather
Click Here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
Image(s)
Video
Running Green Wall:
