Rogue-Nugget

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Southern Oregon, USA

Rogue River Rafting Guide

The Nugget Section of the Rogue River is a mix of scenic flatwater, mellow rapids, and major rapids. It’s tough to have a bad time out on this section of the river. Generally, there is enough water flowing through this stretch of the Rogue River for year-round runs to be done, but watch out for big winter flows. It’s an easy shuttle and only a short drive away from Ashland, Oregon, this can be a high-octane add-on to your Shakespeare tour.

This guidebook is for the Nugget section of the Rogue River. Click here for the Wild and Scenic Rogue River guidebook. 

Based in Southern Oregon, Indigo Creek Outfitters is the closest outfitter to the Nugget section on the Rogue river. In addition to the Nugget run they operate on the Upper and Lower Klamath and Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue. Learn more about Indigo Creek Outfitters.

About this guide

All data points were collected using GPS. These locations were checked against Google Earth for accuracy. Distances are the averages of repeated trips that were GPSed.

The Nugget Run of the Rogue River is a quick 5.5 mile section, mostly with calm water, but 2 formidable Class IV rapids to end this scenic section with a bang!

Safety

The Nugget Section of the Rogue River is an intermediate to advanced river run. While there are sections that are mellow Class II, take into account numerous other challenges such as strainers, and sieves. As a private boater, make sure you join a party that has recent Rogue River experience.

Permits

A Rogue River Use Permit is not required for this section.

Ti’lomikh Falls / Powerhouse Rapid

Ti’lomikh Falls, before gaining notoriety fun Class IV Rapid, is a site of historical interest for the native Takelma people, who had a small village here. It is also the site of the Salmon Ceremony, which the Takelma people have been celebrating at this site for thousands of years. Click here to read more.

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Nugget Run – Class II & IV

The Nugget Run is a scenic section beginning at Fisher’s Ferry County Park Put-In, to Gold Hill Park Take-Out. It begins with calm Class I water, and increases in difficulty until the Class IV Powerhouse / Ti’lomikh Falls Rapid finale. Lots of wildlife to be seen in this section so be sure to keep your head on a swivel for Bald Eagles, Osprey and other avian friends.

I
Mile 0.82 – Romeo Riffle:

Class I. Romeo Riffle is a straightforward rapid, but at lower flows the river splits around a shallow section, where you could get stuck. Go left or right for this easy rapid.

II
Mile 1.33 – The Squeeze Rapid:

Class II. Read-and-run rapid, some fun and splashy waves.

II
Mile 1.58 – Surprise Rapid:

Class II. Read-and-run rapid, fun wave train left of center.

Mile 2.01 – Sam’s Creek:

River Right. Sam’s Creek enters the Rogue River from river right. Just downstream is Lyman’s Surf Wave.

II
Mile 2.61 – Son of Nugget Rapid:

Class II. Not really much of a rapid, but big indicator that you’ve arrived to Nugget Falls Rapid. Stay right here to avoid the man-made wall blocking off the left channel.

Mile 4.62 – Gold Hill Powerhouse:

Mile 4.62 – Gold Hill Powerhouse: River Right. On the right-hand side, after passing through Ti’lomikh Falls, you will pass the old Gold Hill Powerhouse, which became defunct after the removal of the Gold Hill Dam in 2008.