From the Wallowas, I was home for one night before taking off for a 5 day trip on the Rogue river. A group of 10 of us with 3 gear boats and a paddle raft departed Almeda campground near Grants Pass. On the first day we were treated to Osprey and Eagles as well as Turkey vultures as we got on our way. We floated through the first few miles and got out to spot Rainie Falls. Two boats took the middle shoot which was of slightly more difficulty. The paddle raft and our other boat took the fish ladder. We went a few more miles to Whiskey Creek and pulled off for the night.
We had a great night with delicious food and appetizers and lots of fun with cards and conversation. We decided to leave fairly early the next morning and moved along the river. A perfect day led us to Battle Bar and we pulled off the river for a delicious Mixican night. Margaritas, Fajitas and chips and dip were the treats of the night, as well as an impromptu dance party in a shelter just up the trail from our camp. We stayed at the camp for one day. We all slept in and then decided to cross the river and hike to Zane Grey's Cabin. We then hiked back to the boats, grabbed lifevests, and headed up river about a mile and a half. 7 of us decided to jump in the river and float back down to the boats. It was great.
That night after a delicious chili, we relaxed playing cards and watched a bear across the river catch a fish.
We took off early the next day with the goal of putting lots of water under our oars and reaching Tate creek. As we began, we spooked a black bear from the edge of the river and watched it rush up through the bush. We then scared another, and another, ...and just when we thought we wouldn't see any more, a Mom and two cubs slowly made their way away from the water and into our view. We stopped at the ranch near Mariel and then moved on to Blossom Bar. It was flawless. All of us made it through like champions and then floated the rest of the way to camp. At camp, the males walked up the trail to a waterfall/natural water slide and each took our turn feeling the cold rush of the water. When we returned we preformed one of the most importatnt tasks ever, cheap beer taste off. The winners: Tecate and Pabst. I thought I loved Coors, now I know that I should be drinking Pabst. We again played cards until the light went away.
The next morning we awoke to the sound of a bear eacting blackberries on the opposite side of the river. As we watched, a cooler came floating down the river. It had been preceded by a few peices of debris that we were not able to identify. We jumped in our partially deflated paddle raft and gave chase. We were able to recover the cooler and brought it back to our beach. A dam had breached up river and the river level rose. We were lucky enough to be warned by boaters the night before, but a camp was not so lucky.
We then packed and took it easy on the way out. It was a great trip on the river with no hiccups. The group was close, the food and drinks were incredible and the water treated us right. It was a very laid back crew and trip.
We saw river otters, 5 bald eagles, 12 bears (3 cubs), deer, osprey and turkey vultures. There were also numerous jumping fish. We were also treated to meteors every night. I saw at least 5 each night. It was incredible seeing the sky with nothing to pollute it. We even had a new moon to boot. I forgot how full of stars the night sky is. The entire sky has light in it, and the milky way is an absolute full band of light that fills the middle of the sky. I slept in my sleeping bag everynight without shelter and was as content as any 5 nights of my summer.
4 years ago
