Rogue River Wild Section
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.
Apply for the Rogue River Ranch Artist in Residence
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, 541-471-6535 (phone is seasonally available, and Grave Creek Boat Launch access.
Need to Know
Lottery Details
During the control season, permits are required to be assigned via a lottery. Apply for the lottery here on Recreation.gov and pay the Lottery Application fee online.
If successful in the lottery you will be notified by the BLM via email and must confirm and pay the per person “Confirmation fee” directly to the BLM in order to receive your permit. See Fees and Cancellation tab for details.
To Confirm a Permit: Read the Lottery Award: Confirmation Instructions (PDF) and complete the Permit Confirmation Sheet (PDF)
To Reserve a Permit after the Lottery: Check float space availability, which will be posted on the BLM website beginning March 30.
After the lottery has closed and notifications of award have been made, contact the BLM for confirmation, payment, and float space allocation times at (541) 471-6535.
Permit Information, Water Levels and River Information
Visit the BLM’s Rogue River website for hydrographs, river information, equipment requirements, permit regulations and more.
Boaters should try to anticipate high and low water levels, access and shuttle issues before submitting an application or reserving a launch date.
There are both class III rapids and class IV rapids on the Wild section of the Rogue. Boat operators need the skills necessary to navigate these rapids safely. It is recommended that all river parties scout Blossom Bar Rapid, Class IV prior to running.
Fee Policy
Lottery Application Fee
- A $6.00 non-refundable Lottery Application Fee is required for each lottery application, payable to Recreation.gov online.
- Party leader may apply to the lottery only once per calendar year.
Confirmation Fees
- A non-refundable $10.00 per person fee is required at the time of confirmation of reservation and must be received by the BLM no later than 10 days prior to the launch date. This fee is collected by the BLM facility and not Recreation.gov
- For payment instructions see the Lottery Award Confirmation Instructions
Cancellation Policy
The lottery application is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Confirmed permits may be cancelled without penalty until 3 PM (PST) the day prior to the launch date by contacting the Smullin Visitor Center at Rand.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
14335 Galice Road Merlin OR 97532
Open May 5 through October 15: Doors are open 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, seven days a week. Phone Access Hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, seven days a week. Off- Season contact - Oct 16 - May 04: blm_or_md_rogue_river_mail@blm.go
Phone Number
541-471-6535 Off- Season contact - Oct 16 - May 04: blm_or_md_rogue_river_mail@blm.gov
