Rogue, Oregon, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II-IV (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.5 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 11 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROGUE RIVER AT RAYGOLD NEAR CENTRAL POINT, OR | ||||
| usgs-14359000 | 800 - 3000 cfs | II-IV | 00h36m | 2120 cfs (rc= 0.6 ) |
This is a popular local run for paddlers in the communities of Ashland, Medford, and Grants Pass
that is accessible through the summer.
Starting from the former Gold Ray Dam site, a dam that wave removed in 2010, the run is fairly
mellow with a good bit of flatwater for the first couple miles. You can expect to see a diversity
of bird life along this section.
Within a couple miles the action begins to pick up with some fun class II rapids that offer good
surfing. You will then pass an alternate access point on river right. For a quick run that takes
in the best whitewater, paddlers often run the last two miles that start here.
The action begins to pick up as your run the Broken Weir. An old concrete weir is still intact on
river left and concentrates the flow into a gap on river right that forms a great little play
feature. Nugget Falls is just downstream. The channel down the left is a fun ride. At the base of
this rapid you will pass another access site on river right.
The run continues with a float down to the former site of the City of Gold Hill's diversion weir.
This dam was removed in summer 2008 and a new water intake has been constructed on river
right.
Immediately downstream the river takes the plunge over Powerhouse Rapid. There are several
options here including an easier route down the right, a center line through the big hole, or a
great boof move down the river left channel.
Within a few more paddlestrokes you will come to the take-out and boat ramp at Gold Rogue
Sports Park on river right. For a longer trip, you can continue downstream to the next run.
Logistics: The put-in at the former Gold Ray Dam site is located at river mile
125.9, elevation 1122' (at the base). From I-5 exit 35 take Blackwell Road 1.5 miles northwest to
Gold Ray Road (just after you cross the railroad tracks). Take Gold Ray road 1.4 miles to the
former Gold Ray Dam site. Access is available at a number of sites along river.
The take-out at Gold Hill Boat Ramp is located at river mile 120.2, elevation 1056'
accessible from I-5 exit 40. Cross the Rogue River and enter the town of Gold Hill. Take Highway
234 north out of town. The boat ramp is located less than half a mile out of town on river right
at Gold Rogue Sports Park at Highway 234 mile 3.0.
Alternate intermediate access for the last part of the run is available by continuing upstream on
river right on Highway 234.
We have no additional information about how various flows affect runnability (or playability) of this section of river. If you can provide additional information, please either directly contact the StreamTeam member for this reach, or add a 'comment' or a 'report' with your information to help out your fellow boaters.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROGUE RIVER AT RAYGOLD NEAR CENTRAL POINT, OR | ||||||||||||
| usgs-14359000 | 800 - 3000 cfs | II-IV | 00h36m | 2120 cfs (rc= 0.6 ) | ||||||||
|
Gauge (drainage area 2,053 sq.mi.) is at put-in (downstream of dam) so it very accurately reflects actual flow in this reach. |
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176d18h20m | /Rogue-1. Above Nugget Falls to Gold Hill Boat Ramp [OR] |
Gold Ray Dam site
|
0 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 3y154d14h20m | Rogue [OR] |
Gold Hill Dam
|
n/a | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 4y166d14h20m | Rogue [OR] |
Powerhouse Rapid, Boof Line
|
1980 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 5y67d22h20m | Rogue [OR] |
Gold Ray Dam
|
10100 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -125.8 | Gold Ray Dam | N/A |    |
| -123.7 | Hardy Riffle | N/A | |
| -123.5 | Bitterman Falls | II+ | |
| -122.8 | Lyman Falls | II+ |  |
| -122.7 | Alternate Access | N/A |   |
| -122.3 | Broken Weir | II | |
| -122.2 | Nugget (or Dillon) Falls | III+ | |
| -120.9 | Powerhouse Diversion Weir | N/A | |
| -120.8 | Powerhouse Rapid | IV | |
Put-in Below Gold Ray DamThis dam is a hazard to navigation and limits fish passage. Access is available on river left just downstream of the dam.
Bitterman FallsA fun rapid with a couple of playspots.
Lyman FallsYou will find a fun surf wave or two in this rapid.
Alternate AccessThis access provides a put-in for the biggest drops on the run with a short shuttle on river right.
Broken WeirAn old weir diverts flow to river right where a fun play spot forms.
Nugget FallsA great drop. Follow the tongue down the left side, skirt the holes or punch them for a fun ride.
Gold Hill Dam, Powerhouse RapidsThe powerhouse diversion weir is scheduled for removal in summer 2008. In the meantime you can line up for a couple of different slots.
Powerhouse Rapid, Boof LineThe biggest drop on the run. A popular line is down the center through the hole. You can also do the boof line to the left. Alternatively there is a bit of a sneak down the right. This rapid is hard to scout as the channel divides giving you a few different options and vegetation obscures the view.
Comments of American Whitewater on the Department of State Lands Navigability Study.
Support letter for removal of Gold Ray Dam.
reach
state
reachlink
2. Gold Ray Dam to Gold Hill Boat Ramp (up to 5.5 miles), Rogue Oregon, US (mobile)
User Comments
the old Gold Ray dam site that over the next year or two will no doubt find it's way downriver so
keep a watchful eye out especially in Muggers Alley (the right side sneak) and the left side boof
at Powerhouse