Gone Rogue!

Float an Inflatable Kayak Down the Rogue River in Southern Oregon

Float an Inflatable Kayak Down the Rogue River in Southern Oregon With Orange Torpedo

If one thing can make you feel like a kid at summer camp, it’s spending a day on the river, rafting, floating, cannonballing off cliffs—eureka! One of the best rivers in the West to float is the Rogue River, aka the heartbeat of the region.

This river has it all, from scenic and sublime sections to thrills through rapids up to Class III, with one Class IV, and some mellow spots for a swim. For a fun adventure, rent an inflatable kayak from Orange Torpedo. They’ve been around for 51 years and know their stuff, which is big fun on the water!

Go on a guided trip or ask about the do-it-yourself routes. The inflatable kayaks are a kick, sturdy orange ‘torpedos’ that are your vessels for a scenic day paddling a mix of the Rogue River’s gentle flows, whitewater for some splash action, and relaxing pools for a quick dip. 

Inflatable kayak orange torpedo Rogue River

FOOD & DRINK: Grab a tasty hamburger (or salmon burger) and a beer at Galice Resort along the Rogue River. Their spacious outdoor patio overlooks the water and their popular soft-serve ice cream makes a sweet treat on a warm day.

BONUS BBQ & STAY: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wolf Creek Inn & Tavern is the oldest continually operated hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Originally a refuge for stagecoach pioneers who would socialize in the inn’s two parlors, the original decor remains authentic, but today the socializing is out back of the inn, where you can belly up to a picnic table and order what we think will be some of the tastiest BBQ you’ll ever have.

You can spend the night at the inn in one of their rooms with a full bath or in smaller rooms with bunk beds and a shared bathroom down the hall. Its location close to the Rogue River and rafting or kayaking options makes it a good overnight option. The inn is rumored to be haunted, though we witnessed no paranormal activity.

Check out the Best Southern Oregon Road Trips

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Road Trip to Spectacular: National Park, Hot Springs & Hikes" the Weekend Sherpa team discuss their adventures in Southern Oregon and floating down the Rogue River.

2020 Travel: Here’s more information on Southern Oregon’s health guidelines and updates.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View
  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View
  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View