Upper Rogue River
The Nugget-Powerhouse stretch of the Upper Rogue River is the closest whitewater to Ashland, Oregon. This short stretch of water is 5.5 miles in length and, depending on the flow, can be done in less than two hours. The majority of the run is really mellow, class I and II. However, there are two significant class IV drops known as Nugget Falls and Powerhouse.
Most launch just below the old Gold Ray dam site, which, for those of you not familiar with the dam, is only a short distance after you go over the railroad tracks. Take-out at either the Gold Hill boat ramp on river-right (Pay $1.00 per vehicle) or for free at the Gold Hill river-side park. Keep in mind that if you continue to the park there is a long carry required to get back to the road.
Total shuttle time is 20 minutes round-trip, so if you have two vehicles it is relatively easy.
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Directions & Map:
- From AOS head north on I5.
- Take the Blackwell Road Exit, #35.
- Turn right onto N. Blackwell Road. Follow this for 1.6 miles.
- Turn right at Gold Ray Road. Continue on this road for 1.5 miles, until you reach the Rogue River.
Resources & Links
Weather
Click Here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
Image(s)
Photos courtesy of Indigo Creek Outfitters
