Oregon’s Rogue River

Wild and Scenic Rogue River

Whitewater kayaking is one of the most exciting and rewarding recreational sports “everyday” people can get into. Kayaking and playing on a stretch of whitewater, in a timeless river canyon is a dream that can become reality. Sundance Kayak School is located in Southern Oregon on one of our country’s finest rivers, the Rogue River, and has been helping make those dreams and goals come true since 1973. Welcome to Sundance!

Kayaking through Mule Creek Canyon on the Rogue River

Kayaking through Mule Creek Canyon on the Rogue River

Most people have heard about the Oregon Rogue River. It brings to mind thoughts of rugged canyons, whitewater, gold and fishing. The Rogue is a natural and cultural resource of immeasurable value with a history as colorful as the trees in the fall. Native people lived along the Rogue River as early as 10,000 years ago, flourishing on the massive salmon runs and leaving telltale signs of their presence such as tools, fire pits and petroglyphs. Gold miners flocked to the Valley in the 1850’s, pulling large amounts of ore from the Rogue’s gravel bars and creeks. In the 1920’s, Zane Grey championed the cause of protecting the steelhead by publishing stories of his epic river journeys down the wild Rogue River. His journalized accounts of battling huge steelhead on fly rods and rowing the Rogue’s wild whitewater captured the fancy of a nation.

Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rogue River

Today the Rogue River in Oregon is one of America’s premier rivers. It combines joyous and exciting whitewater with spectacular scenery, wilderness atmosphere, and abundant wildlife. The Rogue River was unique enough that in 1968, it was one of the original nine to be protected by the Federal Wild and Scenic Waterways Act. Other fine rivers have since been included in this select group, but the Rogue River still holds its place as one of the finest river experiences available anywhere.

Kayaking on the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River

Kayaking on the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River

The Rogue River offers the perfect setting for teaching white water kayaking: dependable summer water levels, warm water in the summer, hot summer air temperatures, easy stretches of river perfect for teaching the basics, and a 35 mile Class III stretch of federally protected river to put those fledgling skills to the test. With its remote setting, incredible beauty and abundance of wildlife, the Rogue River in Oregon is a breathtakingly scenic environment to learn in.

Sundance Kayak School has been an outfitter on the Rogue River dedicated to guided kayaking trips for over 40 years. All of us here at Sundance love this river and its canyon, and each year, we are delighted to share them with visitors from all over the world. Come see the Wild and Scenic Rogue River for yourself!