You may know Merlin as a wizard, but in Oregon, Merlin is the last vestige of civilization to purchase supplies for your trip down the Rogue River. Although Lola, our GPS, was able to take us to Merlin, it took 3 trips around the block to find the actual town, which wasn't much. The general store provided supplies and it was the only business open where I could get directions to Galice, which Lola couldn't find.
About ten miles towards Galice, we came to boat ramp. Here we discovered what are called Tahiti's, rubber inflatables suitable for running a river, presumably easy to operate, and according to the locals, (and probably most importantly) inexpensive.
At this point the Rogue River is fairly calm, although the current runs along at a fairly good clip. Life jackets are required, and helmets are probably a good idea.
A few miles down the road we came to a bridge. It was also an excellent vantage point for taking pictures of rafters and the river, and we had fun taking pictures of each other.
Finally, we came to Galice, which is the stopping point for many rafters, as a couple of miles down the road begins the wild section of the Rogue River, which you are allowed to raft only by permit, and no other services exist; In other words, you're on your own!
Note the sign on the restaurant-store "This is Galice."
We stopped and went out back to the deck overlooking the river. The menu was the typical burgers and fries, so we opted for the healthiest item on the menu, blackberry pie a la mode! Fortunately we had our lunch before leaving Popeye.
Now we are at the beginning of the wild and scenic portion of the Rogue River. It was difficult to get a vantage point which showed the rapids just beyond, but wild they are!
The road beyond this bridge went for miles and miles. It was 76 miles to Roseburg, and we can't even imagine where the road going up the mountain led to. According to Lola (GPS) the road wasn't paved for much longer. How we wish we had a Jeep!
The above picture shows a landing just before the rapids begin. We didn't see any boats heading beyond this point; but the following pictures show the river beyond.
This final picture is of the Hellgate Excursions which run out of Grant's Pass. They were just turning around to head home, and we decide it is probably wise for us to do the same!
For further information:
Galice Resort (541)476-3818
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