Dustin Paul is a U.S. Veteran who discovered a sense of “home” on the Rogue River. For the past six years he has shared the Rogue with fellow veterans and publishes the adventures online at Veteran Outdoor Adventures. Dustin lives in Roseburg, Oregon and frequently finds time for the river, either on the Rogue or closer-to-home North Umpqua and McKenzie Rivers.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a recreational boater with an insatiable addiction to the river.

When did you discover the Rogue?

I have been rafting the Rogue for about 6 years.

What do you like most about the Rogue?

I love the wildlife, whitewater, and the river family that is always there with a smile!

Do you have a favorite camp on the Rogue?

Summer, Lower Kelsey. Winter, the cover of Battle Bar

Is there a community of boaters who float the Rogue?

More of a feeling of family. Once you are in, you are a welcome member of the Rogue River Family!

How has the Rogue River changed you?

The Rogue has not only changed my life but also the lives of a few other veterans. I am a disabled veteran that served in Iraq 04/05. When I returned home I had some real issues getting back in the swing of the civilian way of life. The Rogue River has kind of become my little sanctuary. I love to share it with other veterans and hope that they get to enjoy the same peace and solitude that the Rogue has given me.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Mild to wild depending on what season you go!

The personality of the Rogue speaks to us all in its own way. For me it seemed to tell me that I was home. The river keeps me on my toes some days, and others it lets me drift along without a care in the world.

Steve Welch is the General Manager of ARTA River Trips. He first visited the Rogue in 1976 and continues to work at least one trip every year. He lives in Groveland, California.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

Outfitter on the Rogue with ARTA River Trips.

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

First Rogue trip was in 1976 (a private, self-supported, inflatable kayak trip), at least one trip per year since then. A lot of trips but not enough.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

Everyone loves the Rogue. I love how inviting it is; how pretty much everyone can go and find something to do at the appropriate level. The timid can ride an oar raft through Lower Black Bar Falls and the intrepid can swim it and everyone can find their thrill level in between. That’s rare. I also like that there is so much unexplored (to me) area in the canyon. I’ve always wanted to spend a day hiking up Missouri Creek (or a half dozen others) and I’ve always wanted to spend a week hiking down from somewhere along Bear Camp Road to the river. I’m sure there are amazing places down there that few people have seen.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

There is nothing like entering Mule Creek Canyon. The 30 minutes from Marial to Stair Creek are mind-blowing; every time. It is as special as the first time someone sees Yosemite Valley.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

I’d have to say no to this one. For as well as the river can accommodate lots of people with lots of different interests (rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking, private, commercial, small groups, large groups), the actual users are less accommodating. We all want it our way and that creates some tension.

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

So, that first trip in 1976 was the year I graduated from High School. College started late for me (September) so I had that month when all my friends had gone off to school and I hadn’t. A buddy and I borrowed 2 inflatable kayaks and went down the Rogue. We didn’t really know what we were doing or where we were (in life or on the river) so that trip has all the magical qualities of growing up and finding my place. One of those experiences that are amazing as they happen but you don’t really realize their importance or appreciate them until 10 or even 15 years later. If I hadn’t gone on that trip in 1976, there is a very good chance I wouldn’t be writing this right now.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

The Rogue River is beautiful, but in that unassuming, natural, comfortable, not-flashy kind of way; like it would look good in sweat pants and a T-shirt, in the morning. No stunning, cover-of-National-Geographic vistas, just mile after mile of gentle prettiness. Like that girl (or guy) you knew in High School who wasn’t the prettiest or the smartest or most popular or the best dressed but was always going to be your friend. Steady, trustworthy, welcoming, friendly. Nice. The Rogue is nice.

What’s your favorite memory of the Rogue?

Well, I’ve taken thousands of people on Rogue trips over the years, some people who were “veteran” river runners and others who had never camped before and I am sure they all love the Rogue. Everyone loves the Rogue. But my favorite Rogue memory was a trip I did with just my girlfriend (now, 35 years later, my wife) over Easter. Just the two of us. I remember we had Easter morning on that tiny little spit of sand on river left just downstream from Quail Creek, where the river bends to the left. Every time I pass that spot, I remember that morning and probably every other time I pass that spot I mention it to the people in the raft with me. “I spent Easter morning there once about 35 years ago.” And every time I mention it, I don’t get much of a response. A courtesy: “Oh, that’s nice.” but no goosebumps or “tell me mores”. But I still mention it. That’s how I know it was special.

Anything else?

I can’t wait to go back.

Bonnie Ryan is a writer for Travel Southern Oregon and an avid seeker of adventure. She has traveled the world and eventually came back to call Southern Oregon home. When she’s not writing about her travel adventures she is probably living them; or working as an educator at the local community college.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a recreational boater and Rogue River lover.

Tell us about your line of work

Community College educator by day and on the side I write travel and tourism posts for Travel Southern Oregon’s Out & About section.

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

I have been floating the Rogue before I was tall enough to go on any kiddie roller-coaster rides! I have done a few write ups for different outfitters such as Rogue Wilderness and Rogue Raft Company. I am always looking for more opportunities to have fun while working (on or off the Rogue).

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

Connecting to those you go with whether they are long-time friends or strangers. There is something about being on God’s body of water and enjoying it with those who have the opportunity to do the same. I also love how you can see a vast difference of scenery depending on where you are.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

This is like choosing your favorite kind of food. It depends on your mood. I would normally have to lean towards the side of the lower section of the Rogue (permit needed) because you can see the most action/wildlife on this stretch.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue River?

Yes, of course! No matter what outfitter you are with, they are all there to have a good time, take care of and protect their costumers. I have never sensed competition of any sort; it’s truly fabulous!

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

Growing up in the Rogue Valley, I had the advantage of being on the river in “dirt bags” (AKA a floating raft filled with packing peanuts that are no longer made) and at one point took it for granted. Before traveling across the World a few years ago, I was set on moving to Portland. When I was away from home, one of the biggest things I missed was this river. I have a deep appreciation for this gift we have and how it can bring you back down to reality, and the fact that it truly is one of those priceless gifts in life.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Soothing, yet wild. I have both fallen asleep while floating and came very close to “wetting my wet-suit” out of trepidation.

What would you tell someone who was thinking of visiting the Rogue?

Go find out for yourself. You have nothing and everything to lose.

Phil Finkel is a guide for Rogue River Journeys and he has worked on the Rogue since 1989. When he isn’t tackling the whitewater challenges of the Rogue River, Phil can be found taking on the challenges of managing his 8th grade class in Susanville, CA. During the winter, Phil is on the backcountry Ski Patrol at the Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I’m a river guide for Rogue River Journeys (formerly known as Outdoor Adventures) and I have worked on the Rogue since 1989.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

The diversity of the flora and fauna, the absence of roads, many unusual rock formations, exciting and mostly forgiving rapids, evidence of human history and great stargazing.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

Just past Wildcat Campsite entering Russian Rapids through the Howard Creek Chutes, and exiting Huggins Canyon to Brushy Bar and Solitude Bar.

Can you describe the community of people who visit the Rogue?

Locals in rafts festooned with multiple prior permits tags waving pirate flags while laughing at kids in inflatable kayaks, floating along with commercial guides running a great trip for guests from all over North America, also navigating rapids with inflatable kayaks, all the while leapfrogging campsites and trading stories of last night’s bear sightings, the incredible meteor shower and, “Would you like some chocolate bacon from this morning’s breakfast?”

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

While attending Humboldt State University, I’d hear about this great river to the north – the Rogue. I cut my teeth on the Trinity, Klamath, and Cal Salmon Rivers, but it wasn’t until I got my teaching job that I joined the crew to work the Rogue River. With each school year ending, I could always look forward to working with a solid crew to run a few Rogue River trips. The Rogue defines my summers and it recharges my batteries for another year of teaching eighth grade students.

I see myself as a “teacher” on the water; whether it’s giving coaching tips to a guest kayaking through a rapid, helping identify a rough-skinned newt to a curious child, or telling the “Jack Mahoney” tale to a captured audience around the campfire. When a colleague asks at the beginning of a new school year, “So, Phil, did you do the Rogue this summer?” a smile crosses my face, while I trace the calluses on my palms from all the rowing, before I answer.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

I hate to refer to man while describing the Rogue, but it’s “Nature’s Highway.” The idea that you can sit on a raft and let the water pull you along with its twists and turns, ups and downs, and around rocks and eddies, with no exit signs to pull off until you hit an empty campsite, set it in Park and relax is about as good as it gets. While you take ‘er easy though, there comes the realization that the Rogue River is ALIVE! That water – she runs 24/7 making new channels, smooths her river rocks and alters the flora alongside her banks. Look above and you see her eagles, ospreys and herons pointing hunting eyes to the river below as the salmon, steelhead and skinks swim and scurry to another interchange. And later on, when the clouds lift to welcome the Milky Way Galaxy, the Rogue’s “white noise” will lull you to sleep.

Tell us a good Phil Finkel Rogue story

Twenty years ago I was working a commercial trip with my college buddy Jeff cracking out a great journey with just us two guides. It was July and “Africa Hot!” All the guests jostled for the inflatable kayaks, or wanted to float in the river to cool off. We managed to snag one of the last campsites, Tacoma, for our final night on the river. I remember cooking over the fire pan and feeling so hot I would plunge into the river multiple times with a cooking apron wrapped my searing body. Hours after nightfall, when the campfire finally died out, and Jeff and I had our last dip in the river, we reclined atop our sleeping bags above the heated slate rockbed trying not to think of the hot and muggy night. While chatting about tomorrow’s takeout, we noticed the clouds parting, the crescent moon making an appearance, and the cool marine air ascending the Rogue River from Gold Beach. It didn’t take long for us to appreciate the cooling gift the river gave us as we zipped ourselves up in our sleeping bags.

Any last words?

The Rogue River Descends
Wildlife Dancing Above
My Eyes Opening

“Fake Haiku” written after my first trip on the Rogue River, April 1-3, 1989
Outdoor Adventures (Rogue River Journeys) Training Trip