Upcoming activity

Rogue River Car Camp & Kayak

  • Sign up

    Sign up will open on
    03 / 30 / 2026

  • Start date: 07/27/2026

  • Start time: 3:00 PM

  • End date: 07/30/2026

  • End time: 12:00 PM

Description:

This is a 3-day trip based at Almeda Campground on the Rogue River in southern Oregon. We will be white water kayaking in the Hellgate Recreation Area and will float from Hog Creek boat launch to Almeda CG both days. This 7-mile stretch is primarily a Class II to III whitewater run featuring fun, splashy rapids and calm pools suitable for intermediate paddlers. It is best for inflatable kayaks, hard shell kayaks, and small paddle rafts. We’ll pull out before the beginning of the Wild Rogue so no permit is necessary. If you are not familiar with this stretch of water, you are welcome to follow the leader who knows this stretch very well, but be aware that this is not a guided river trip. Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the river.

Almeda Campground (Josephine County Parks) is located 18 miles west of Merlin. Participants will share 2 individual sites (#34 and #36) located near a water spigot and not far from the vault toilet. If you prefer to reserve your own site to have more space, please contact leader and participation fee can be adjusted. Galice Store, located 3.5 miles up the road from camp, has ice, cold drinks, and soft serve ice cream.

After setting up camp Monday, participants can hike down to Rainie Falls, hang out by camp, or go for a swim. Tues and Wed we will float the 7-mile stretch from Hog Creek to Almeda. This takes about 4 hours. Experienced boaters may opt to do a longer float (10 miles). Thurs morning we will pack up and depart by noon.

This trip is limited to 8 participants. All participants must be over age 21 and must be fairly experienced kayakers. The cost of the trip is $38 for members, $46 for nonmembers. Fee includes 3 nts camping and additional vehicle fees. Sign-up opens on Monday, March 30 @ 8:00am. Within 5 days of signing up, mail your full payment (payable to Valerie Metcalfe) to Valerie Metcalfe, 62 E. 23rd St., Eugene, OR 97405.

Questions: Contact Valerie Metcalfe at 541-221-5702 or metcalfev@gmail.com

  • Event Leader: Valerie Metcalfe

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-221-5702

  • Event Leader Email: metcalfev@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Valley

  • Departure Location:

  • Rating: Mixed

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 296

  • Season: 2026

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Upcoming

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Personal kayak. Life vest. Paddle. (If you do not have your own boat, one can be rented at Whitewater Cowboys or Riverdance Rentals in Merlin, en route to the campground.) Camping gear, tent, sleeping bag, lawn chair, cooler, personal gear, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses. No wet suits necessary. Campers will be responsible for their own meals.

  • participant prerequisites: Intermediate kayaking experience

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 7

  • Member Fees:

  • Elevation Gain:

  • Non-Member Fees: 8

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: