Jeff Kellogg is an owner of Clavey Paddlesports, located in Petaluma, California. He has been floating the Rogue for over 25 years. In the late 80’s and early 90’s he worked as a guide and manager for Outdoor Adventures (Rogue River Journeys), a rafting company with an operation on the Rogue. Each year, he and his family make a trek to Southern Oregon to visit the Rogue. Clavey Paddlesports sells all things whitewater – rafts, frames, and accessories – as well as SUPs and sea kayaks.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I first rafted the Rogue in 1982, and worked as a professional guide on the river for many years. I’ve managed to run the river at least one a year for the past 25 years or so (well, I might have missed a year). I met my wife Anne on the river, and our daughter was named after Rainie falls and first ran the river when she was 2 1/2.

Tell us about your line of work

I am one of the owners of Clavey Paddlesports, and we’ve supplied equipment to a variety of private boaters as well as outfitters.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

It offers a little of everything; exciting whitewater, placid float time, awesome camping, hiking, and is rich in natural and human history.

If you were on the Rogue right now, where would you want to be?

Sipping some single malt scotch on the deck of Paradise Lodge.

What’s the community like on the Rogue?

It’s a great feeling floating the river and meeting old friends be they outfitters or fellow private boaters and lodge keepers.

Has the Rogue River changed you?

Certainly. The Rogue and many other rivers offers so much to bring me back again and again. It’s changed my life in the sense that I find I will organize my time off in order to get back on the river.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Wild/Gentle/Forgiving/Unforgiving/always welcoming. It’s like going home again every time. Even though you may cover the same ground every trip and even stay in some of the same camps, it’s never the same.

It’s been a place I’ve been able to visit consistently even through the changes in my life and it always welcomes me back. Our daughter first ran the river in utero. Then in diapers, and finally at the oars.

What would you tell someone who has yet to visit the Rogue?

Find a way to be there. Take your friends or family. You won’t regret it. You’ll be better for it.

Esa Morrison is a guide for Rogue River Journeys and Idaho River Journeys. She graduated from CSU Monterey Bay and grew up in Quincy, California. She is spending her off season in Bozeman, Montana and getting on the snow as much as possible.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a river guide for Oregon River Journeys as well as a long time private boater.

How long have you been working or recreating on the Rogue?

Recreating for 15 years and working for four years.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

The wildlife, the rock formations, and all the characters you meet floating.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

Kelsey Creek Canyon

Is there a community of people who float the Rogue?

Yes. I think the private boaters have buddies who are able to pull off a Rogue trip most years as a tradition and/or reunion of sorts. As for the guides, it’s a fairly small river that offers a lot of us to gradually get to know each other through camp pick discussions, take out mayhem, and generally passing each other through long pools and pileups at the Rainie Falls and Blossom Bar. If you’re lucky, you get to kick back with each other at Paradise guide cabin. I think we all enjoy the low key feel the guide job on the Rogue has to offer and it makes for an easy going casual community.

Has the Rogue changed your life?

Yes, It’s what made me quit teaching and try to shoot for a longer river season. I’ve met some of my favorite people on on the Rogue, people whose life style I admired so much that I decided to reshape mine.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Easy going, with some fun excitement here and there.

Nick Ellis is the founder and co-owner of Opposition Brewing Company, based in Medford, Oregon. He has been boating the Rogue and other Southern Oregon rivers for the past 10 years. He started Opposition Brewing Company in the fall of 2012, making him one of the more popular guys to see on the river because he likely has some of his tasty beer buried in his cooler.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a recreational boater.

How long have you been boating on the Rogue?

Over 10 years now… not sure exactly.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

Beauty. Tranquility. Challenging, but not so challenging that it’s intimidating.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

Anywhere between Graves Creek and Devils Staircase.

Is there a community on the Rogue?

Absolutely. Boaters generally help one another. Look out for each other on the river. If someone is in need, you can almost always count on assistance from another boater.

Has the Rogue River changed you?

Yes. Rafting is a major part of my wife’s and my life now. The river is our sanctuary. It’s where we go to escape the stress of work and life. Some of our best memories have been made on the river.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

If the Rogue River was a person, it would be that chill friend you have who likes to occasionally do something crazy but usually just likes to sit back, relax, and drink some beers with his/her friends.

Any examples?

Not any single experience in general. Only an amalgam of experiences whereby I, or others, have been in need of something – assistance, equipment, supplies, etc. – and not once have I or anyone else been snubbed. Boaters stick by each other. It’s what makes life on the Rogue so wonderful.

What would you tell someone who has yet to visit the Rogue?

If you haven’t run the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue, you need to. It’s absolutely a bucket list adventure and I strongly encourage all to get out there and experience it.

Hugh Hague is the owner of Noah’s Wilderness Adventures. He grew up in the river outfitting industry and first discovered the Rogue as a kid in 1976. He lives in Phoenix, Oregon.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am the owner of Noah’s Wilderness Adventures. We have operated in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue river since 1997. My family has been in the Outfitting Industry since 1974.

When did you first discover the Wild & Scenic section of the Rogue?

My first experience in the Rogue river canyon was in 1976. My father Noah was an avid boater and shared the Rogue with me and my brothers from an early age. Noah purchased our permit from Mel and Diane Norrick in 1997. Noah retired in 2006 and I have operated our family business since his retirement.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

The isolation on the Rogue allows me a sense of peace and serenity. I have always enjoyed the Wildlife on the Rogue. From a young age I was always the kid who wanted to spot that Bear first. The Rogue has many unique qualities that you do not find on any other river.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

Mule Creek Canyon has always been my favorite. It demands your attention to stay focused, but it also distracts you with how beautiful it is.

What’s the Rogue River community like?

I feel a common bond with the users on the Rogue. We all have the same objectives to enjoy what the Rogue has to offer and the desire to protect her from change.

How has the Rogue River shaped your life?

The Rogue has always been a part of my life. I now view it as sanctuary where I can separate myself from the stresses of daily life and truly relax. I would say it changes my life every time I have the chance to be there.

Does the Rogue River have a personality?

The Rogue has many personalities. She can be very calm and soothing and she can also remind you that she is in charge and you had better stay focused and give the respect that she has earned and deserves.

Any examples?

It was probably 20 plus years ago when some friends and I did a Winter Steelhead trip through the canyon in February. The river had just dropped from a big rain. I chose not to scout the fish ladder at Rainey Falls. As the first boat through I encountered a pretty large tree in the ladder and did a complete boat wrap. It took hours to free my boat as well as z-drag the tree out for the rest of the river users. I learned that day not to assume that things have not changed.

Any last words?

The Rogue is a very special place for my family and I. Not only do I have the memories as a child, but I now get to make similar memories with my children. My 15 year old daughter Hannah loves being on our commercial trips. She sets up tents and helps in the kitchen. She is able to interact with people from all over the world. She talks about the Rogue as if its a magical place. I’m not sure if I would disagree with her.

Scott McNair is a manager and pilot at Jerry’s Rogue Jets. His father Bill McNair purchased Jerry’s in 1972. In 2004, Scott began piloting for Jerry’s and joined the family management team alongside his father Bill and mother Cherie. The jet boats depart from Gold Beach, OR on the Oregon Coast and head upstream as far as Blossom Bar. They deliver mail to Agness, OR six days per week as an official U.S.P.S contractor. The original mail contract on the Rogue River was first issued in 1895.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am an owner, manager, and pilot of Jerry’s Rogue Jets and the Mail Boats on the lower Rogue River in Gold Beach, OR.

How long have you been working or recreating on the Rogue?

I have been working, floating, boating, and recreating on the Rogue River my entire life. I was born and raised in Gold Beach, Oregon. My family home, where I was born, over looked the river, an area named Elephant Rock, and well known for Spring Salmon fishing on the daily tides.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

My favorite qualities are the ruggedness and remoteness of the Rogue River Canyon.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

The ‘Wild’ Section of the Rogue River, from Graves Creek downstream to Watson Creek is an amazing stretch of river. But really I’d be happy anywhere on the lower Rogue River.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

Yes. I believe there is a sense of community among the various user groups of the river. I would describe the community as connected. Everyone, regardless of how they choose to enjoy the river is outdoors experiencing a moment or a collection of moments that only the Rogue River can provide.

Has the Rogue River changed you? How has it shaped your life?

I do not think the Rogue River has changed my life but it has most definitely shaped my life. I was born next to the Rogue River. I was married next to the Rogue River. I will likely spend my final days on the Rogue River. There is no place I would rather call home. I am excited to raise my two little girls on the Rogue River and hopeful they will treasure those experiences as much as I do.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

The personality of the Rogue River is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. At first glance the Rogue is tranquil and passive, slowly flowing and bending on its course downstream. However, the Rogue is anything but that. The term ‘Wild & Scenic’ seems to fit the Rogue River’s personality perfectly! At times it is completely wild and at other times more scenic.

What would you tell someone who has yet to visit the Rogue?

The Rogue River is a special place to many personalities. It truly is a world renowned river and we here in Southern Oregon are lucky to have such an awesome resource to share and introduce to travelers from around the world. The 1968 ‘Wild & Scenic’ Rivers Act got it right when they added portions of the Rogue River as one of the original eight river sections!

Jacob Evans (on the right) is a guide for Noah’s Wilderness Adventures and has been boating on the Rogue River for 35 years.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I’m a guide for Noah’s Wilderness Adventures and have been boating on the Rogue for 35 years.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

The natural beauty, geology and topography. Wildlife and Native American history. The ability of the river to bring people together for a common goal.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

The confluence of Mule Creek.

Can you describe the community of people who visit or work on the Rogue?

Yes. Common goal and respect for preserving it’s integrity. Strong and genuine.

Has the Rogue River changed you? How has it shaped your life?

It has influenced me to respect and honor mother nature. It provides me with an avenue to ground myself to my roots, slow down and appreciate life and all it’s complexities. It helps me be who I aspire to be.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Perfect combination of wild and tranquil. Absolutely unique and special.

Any examples?

You need only to raft through Blossom Bar with it’s noise and danger race down the Devil’s Staircase and come to rest near Paradise Creek and listen to the water drip off your oar to experience this character. The pool-drop nature of the Rogue allows you this opportunity countless times.

What would you tell someone who has yet to visit the Rogue?

The Rogue should be fiercely protected. It should remain untouched from the state which it is now. It is a natural wonder that can heal even the deepest of personal wounds and provides a platform which to create life changing experiences. For all who enjoy it’s beauty we need only pay one fee which is to leave it as you found it. Pack out the evidence of you being there. This simple act of awareness will strengthen relationship to nature and enhance your feeling of well-being.