Past Activity

Rogue River Car Camp & Kayak

  • 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 or hard shell kayaks with skirts. No sit-on-top kayaks. 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. You should have some white water kayaking experience and 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. 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 white water kayakers. The cost of the trip is $38 for members, $46 for nonmembers. Fee includes 3 nts camping. Depending on the number of vehicles, we may need to share some additional vehicle fees. 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: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Personal kayak (inflatable is best for this trip). 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 white water kayaking experience

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 7

  • Member Fees:

  • Elevation Gain:

  • Non-Member Fees: 8

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees:

Trip Report

Great weather but very low water levels on the Rogue this time of year for our kayak trip which meant more rocks to navigate. Participants had fun enjoying the rustic Almeda campground and familiarizing with the 7 mile route down the Galice stretch of the Rogue. There were no incidences on the river. We saw a lot of wildlife including deer getting a drink near the noon hour which was not a common sight, many heron and osprey, and one beaver/otter sighting. Some participants chose to walk down to Rainie Falls after packing up Thurs morning and watched several rafts going down the chute as they began their trips down the wild and scenic part of the Rogue.

2026 Parks and Open Space  wants to know what you enjoy about Eugene parks and what could be improved.

Click the link to take a brief survey and share your opinions!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EugParks2026

X