Rogue River Wild Section
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Surrounded by the lush forests and rugged mountains of Southern Oregon, the incised Rogue National Wild and Scenic River was one of the original eight rivers designated Wild and Scenic in 1968. The Rogue flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. From seven miles west of Grants Pass to 11 miles east of Gold Beach, the 84-mile long National Wild and Scenic portion is cooperatively managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service.
The Rogue is a well-recognized whitewater/wilderness float trip, known for its scenic beauty and emerald waters, offering a remote floating experience with many technical rapids. These class III and IV+ rapids offer boating excitement for both families and experienced adventurers. Hiking on the remote Rogue River Trail, which parallels the entire Wild section of the Rogue River, is accessible from most river campsites.
Each year, approximately 20,000 people float the Wild section of the river, where only a few trails, private lodges and BLM or Forest Service stations are evidence of man's intrusion. To help preserve future enjoyment of the pristine beauty of the Rogue and its float trips, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and hiking adventures, a permit system is administered by the BLM. Permits are available year-round on the Wild section. During the peak season, May 15 - October 15, permits must be obtained through the competitive process. A self-issued non-competitive permit is available October 16 - May 14. Wild section float permit regulations are uniform throughout the year, requiring fire pans and toilet systems. While the permit system helps track and regulate use, keeping this remote wilderness untrammeled by man, you, the user, must also learn and practice Leave No Trace ethics.
River conditions fluctuate seasonally. The autumn and spring vary in weather and water levels. Winter months are subject to cold temperatures and flood-stage water levels. During the peak summer season, the Rogue has warm temperatures, abundant sunshine and consistent flow rates. Boaters should always check road conditions, particularly during early- and shoulder-season trips, as shuttle routes will vary with road closures.
For more information, be sure to contact the Forest Service Gold Beach Ranger District or the BLM Medford District for the latest conditions and access to the spectacular Wild Rogue Wilderness Area.
Permit & Season Information
A float permit allows the permit holder to participate in watercraft activities on the Wild section of the Rogue River.
A float permit is available year-round for the Wild section of the Rogue River. A lottery is used to allocate the control season (May 15 - October 15) launches. Pre- and post-control season launches are obtained by filling out a self-issued permit available at Smullin Visitor Center, 541-479-3735 (phone is seasonally available).
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025 | Lottery opens to apply for permit. |
| February 15, 2025 | Lottery results announced by Smullin Visitor Center via email and also posted on the BLM Rogue River Website. |
| May 5, 2025 | All confirmation transactions and permit changes are handled by the BLM @ Smullin Visitor Center via phone 541-471-6535. |
| May 5, 2025 - October 5, 2025 | Permit confirmation required at least 10 days prior to launch date. |
| May 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025 | Control Season - Permit Required, assigned via Lottery or Cancellations from common pool. |
| October 16, 2024 - May 14, 2025 | Pre and Post Control Season – Self Issued Permit Required (Available at Smullin Visitor Center) |
Lottery Information
Lottery applications for the control season are accepted on Recreation.gov annually December 1 - January 31.
Lottery Details:
- Lottery results will be emailed and also avaialbe via a link on the BLM Rogue RIver Website.
- May 15 - October 15 Launches: Group size is according to the number of awarded spaces (1 space = 1 person). Group sizes are limited to 20 people per permit. Permit confirmation and payment are required 10 days prior to launch date. No refunds will be issued after payment is received, though you may still cancel the permit and release the spaces.
- After the lottery has closed and notifications of award have been allocated, contact the BLM for confirmation, payment, and float space allocation times at 1 (541) 479-3735 beginning May 5.
- All cancellations, changes, and re-allocation of open spaces will be processed by the BLM after the lottery has closed.
If you have any problems accessing your account, contact Recreation.gov at 1 (877) 444-6777.
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
A permit system is administered by the BLM to help preserve the Rogue for future float trips, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoyment of its pristine beauty.
In order to provide a safe experience and protect the tranquil landscape, the Wild section of the Rogue River allows 120 people per day for river access.
The group size is according to the awarded number of spaces. Users must apply for their full desired party size when submitting a lottery application - an indicated group size of 1 will allow only one user in the party. The maximum group size is 20 people per permit with a maximum trip length of six nights and seven days from May 15 to October 15. (1 space = 1 person)
