Glen Finch has worked on the Rogue River for eight years. In 2009 he moved from Livermore, California to Ashland, Oregon to attend Southern Oregon University. While in school he was introduced to the Rogue River and began guiding during the summer months. He’s traveled and worked on rivers in Australia, New Zealand, and Nepal, but has always found himself returning to Southern Oregon. He now works as the Operations Manager for Indigo Creek Outfitters.

The Interview

How did you get started working on the Rogue River?

In 2010 I was introduced to the “Nugget” stretch of the Rogue River. I first started guiding on the Rogue with Indigo Creek Outfitters in the spring of 2011. I now spend over a hundred days a year on the Rogue; guiding, training new guides and for my own recreating.

Why are you drawn to the Rogue?

It’s the local river. You can choose what you want on any day. In the summer you might find yourself on a three day vacation float through the Wild and Scenic section. In the Fall it’s an afternoon surf session on Lyman’s surf wave, or perhaps a nail biting descent down Takelma Gorge. The choice is yours.

Favorite place on the river?

I think its Grave creek. Despite the chaos as a guide in the middle of summer, Grave Creek is the start of a new adventure, low or high water, old familiar faces and new wide eyed ones. It is the excitement and anticipation of the next adventure.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

Yes. On the Rogue you help those in need and I have seen this happen more than I can recall. I was just told a story of how someone launching at Grave Creek lost their boat after sliding it off their trailer. As they stood there watching it slowly drift downstream, closer and closer to Grave Creek rapids, a local guide stopped what he was busy with, jumped in the cold morning water and brought the boat back to shore. A small act of kindness.

How has the Rogue River changed your life?

I am sure in more ways that I know. It is my livelihood. Many of my mentors work or previously worked on the Rogue. I have spent more time on this river than any other, gained more friends and memories here than any other. These memories, experiences and friendships will continue for a very long time and continue to shape my life.

What’s the personality of the river?

An old friend. Someone you are comfortable spending time with, but one that is not afraid to lash out at you if provoked.

What’s your favorite story about the Rogue?

I think this story is best told in person.

Anything else?

“I need this wild life, this freedom!” – Zane Grey

Bob Rafalovich has been a whitewater and fishing guide for 43 years on the Rogue River. He is the former outfitter and owner of Rogue Wilderness Adventures. After selling the business, he continued to work as a river, fishing, and trail guide. Bob lives in Merlin, Oregon and guides for Briggs Rogue River Trips and Morrison’s Rogue Wilderness Adventures.

The Interview

How long have you been running the Rogue River?

43 years.

What brought you to the river?

When I came to the Rogue River I started work with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. That’s were I learned to run the river and I began guiding while I was working for ODF&W. Back in those days you could work as a guide and also work for ODF&W. Now a days it’s considered a conflict of interest

What is unique about the Rogue River?

The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the United States.

Favorite place on the river?

Foster Bar.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

The guides and outfitters are all in competition on the Rogue River. Despite this fact these are some of the greatest folks I’ve ever know. If you have a problem they are always willing to pitch in and help out. Everyone is dedicated to the resource and conservation of river.

How has the Rogue River changed your life?

At this point in my life I’m guessing that this is a career choice. I came to the Rogue in 1974 before the river was regulated by the BLM/USFS. I’ve seen a lot of changes and been part of establishing the current operating regulations, which I feel is one of the best and fairest limited use plans in the United States

Why do you love the Rogue River?

The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is a national treasure and jewel.

What’s your favorite story about the Rogue?

I have too many stories. You’ll have to corner me, and buy me a beer and I’ll tell you some.

J.R. Weir lives in Merlin, Oregon and is an owner of Sundance Kayak School. He first discovered the Rogue River when he was eleven years old. Since then, he’s been a guide, kayak instructor, and is now an outfitter. When he’s not on the Rogue, J.R. is likely to be found paddling another Southern Oregon river or creek. 

The Interview

How long have you been running the Rogue River?

Recreating since 1994, Guiding since 1998, Outfitting since 2013

What are your favorite things about the Rogue?

The scenery and wildlife are some of the best in the world! I love that the Rogue is a great river for people of all ages and walks of life and has something for everyone. Amazing hikes and side creeks abound with scenic waterfalls visible from the river, fascinating cultural history, interesting geology, and classic whitewater.

Favorite place on the river?

Little Windy Creek.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

Yes! One of the most rewarding aspects of being a “river person” is being a part of the greater river community. The Rogue holds a special place in the hearts of those who have floated and journeyed through it’s magical canyons. All who cross paths on the river share the experience and exchange knowing smiles, and friendly greetings. A general enthusiasm and helpful intention prevails.

What lessons has the river taught you?

When I was 11, my dad and I took a 9-day, full-immersion, wilderness kayak course with Sundance Kayak School, and that experience changed my life forever. We fell in love with the entire experience, the Rogue River, and with the guides who encouraged us to take our watches off and be on “river time.” I remember my dad surprising me when he took me aside and said, quite seriously, that if I ever had an opportunity to experience the lifestyle these glowing vibrant guides personified that I should seize the chance! Growing up, kayaking became a constant source of adventure and renewal in both of our lives as we explored our local rivers and shared quality time together. The lessons learned through kayaking and almost 20 years of guiding have helped me to appreciate and navigate life’s many bends, rapids and beautiful, fleeting moments, going with the flow, and connecting with the exquisite rhythm of the natural world.

What’s the personality of the Rogue?

The Rogue is wild yet forgiving, deep, warm, and playful. The pool-drop character lends itself to moments of excitement separated by periods of profound calm and beauty surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife. It is manageable and fun for the first time river runner has classic whitewater which will challenge and excite even the most seasoned boater. The Rogue is the perfect place for family trips and personal growth, and experiencing a profound connection with nature in a wilderness environment.

Any final thoughts?

Life on a river trip is as pure as it gets. Good food, clean air, excitement, friendship and enchanting scenery. In the morning you wake up to a fresh day with purpose and serenity, watching osprey dive for fish and the mist dancing on the water. Your only job all day is to have fun, be spontaneous and mindful, and float through a spectacular wilderness canyon. In the evenings, making a comfortable home on a secluded beach, enjoying a hike, and watching otters play with cold beverage in hand. Dinner served at rivers edge, music by the fire, stories and camaraderie, a blanket of stars, the best sleep of your life. As the experience deepens, the crazed pace of the real world becomes distant and inconsequential. You notice that your life is more in tune with the nuances of the great outdoors. In addition to the song of the river, you hear the strum of a distant chord that now includes you in the workings of nature.

Covey Baack grew up in the Rogue Valley and has been exploring rivers for over 21 years. He is a professional SUPer, rafter, and kayaker. When not on the river, his other job is a commercial flooring contractor. Covey, his wife Sabrina, and their two kids live in Central Point, Oregon.

The Interview

How long have you been running the Rogue River?

I have been a guide on the Rogue for 19 years. I did my first Wild and Scenic 27 years ago.

What are the biggest draws to the Rogue River?

The Rogue always has something for everyone! From the beauty of the Wild and Scenic to the challenging Nugget Powerhouse Rapids.

Favorite place on the river?

There is nothing like the hot Summer days in Mule Creek Canyon.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

There is a community on the Rogue River like no other. When you’re down there it’s like having a whole family that you didn’t know all on the most amazing vacation together!

What influence has the Rogue had on your life?

The Rogue has totally influenced my life. It has helped me grow up knowing how lucky I am to be here. It is my training grounds for trying to become the ultimate waterman.

What’s the personality of the Rogue?

Relaxed but loves to party! Like a mullet.

Any final thoughts?

There is nothing like a Rogue Flood float! One day I’ll get a “source-to-sea” in one day!

Dale Fulton is from Ashland, Oregon and has spent a significant amount of time on the Rogue River. His family has a history of guiding on Southern Oregon rivers and Dale continues that tradition with his summer job as a guide for Indigo Creek Outfitters. When he’s not running whitewater, you might find Dale and his fly rod chasing steelhead. 

The Interview

How were you introduced to the Rogue River?

I grew up in the Rogue Valley and from an early age I was floating the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Rogue with my parents – one of them was a river guide for many years before I was born. At a young age I found a love for fishing, especially fly fishing, and now spend every chance I get floating the Rogue with friends or swinging a fly through Casey [State Park].

What do you like most about the Rogue?

I love how much variety the Rogue offers in terms of activities that cater to a very wide scope of people, from serious class V white water kayaking and boating through the upper river, to Jet Boating through Hell’s Canyon. There is a beauty about this river that everyone can appreciate.

Do you have a favorite place on the Rogue?

My favorite place on the entirety of the Rogue river would have to be the Mule Creek camp and the Rogue River Ranch. It is just such an incredible location for beautiful scenery, secret swimming holes along Mule Creek, incredible vibrant history chronicling the Rogue, and of course, the sounds of the river at night.

Does the Rogue River foster a sense of community?

The Rogue has the ability to bring everyone together. I have met some of my best friends while on the Rogue or simply through conversations about the Rogue. Everyone can just let loose and enjoy themselves, and once the river has a hold of you, nothing can bring you down. The community on the Rogue, particularly the Wild and Scenic stretch, is a group of adventurers enjoying a beautiful river and experience as one.

How has the Rogue River shaped your life?

The river has had a profound impact on my life, as I have spent more of my free time on the Rogue than I have anywhere else. It is the river I grew up on, I know it like the back of my hand, I love it more than anything else, it is where I go to get away from the chaos of life, it is where I go to reconnect with myself. The Rogue has had a larger impact on my life than any other place, person, or experience ever has.

Do you have a favorite memory from the Rogue? 

Two years ago while camped at Whiskey Creek, I paddled across the river to Rum Creek to read and relax. The sun was starting to go down, I was sitting by the creek reading “Catcher in the Rye” and heard a twig crack behind me. When I looked back, there was a mountain lion making its way down to the river. It walked within 30 feet of where I was sitting, down to the river, leaned down and drank from the water, and then disappeared back into the trees behind me.

Any final thoughts?

The Rogue is a beautiful, secret, and surprising river. It is surprising in the way that it always has something completely new every time you explore it. The river is secret in the way that any river is – one can never completely understand any river – things are always changing, and things are always happening hidden from view, under the surface of the river and waves.

Jim first started guiding for Outdoor Adventures (now known as Rogue River Journeys) in 1977 when he was in high school. After graduating from Humboldt State University, he continued as a manager with Outdoor Adventures for 27 river seasons and oversaw the Rogue River operation. He lives in McKinleyville, California and is the Executive Director of Humboldt Live!, an organization which helps middle and high school kids learn about and prepare for their future career opportunities, including river guiding. During the summer, Jim still finds time to guide a few trips on the Rogue River.

The Interview

How were you introduced to the Rogue River?

I enjoyed my first private trip on the Rogue in 1983 and managed Rogue River Journeys (Outdoor Adventures) from when we bought our business in 1989 through the 2013 season. I have been fortunate to run at least four trips on the Rogue every year since 1989.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

Water is life and I love the multitude of creeks that flow into the wild stretch of the river.

Favorite places on the Rogue?

There are so many wonderful stretches of the river, but I really enjoy the playful stretch of Wildcat Rapid down to Howard Creek and the feeling at the bottom of Blossom after all of your boats are safely through with smooth runs.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

Rafting is fun and when you get to raft and camp and spend time in a beautiful canyon like the Rogue River it can’t help but build community and fellowship between many different people.

Has the Rogue River changed you?

I was blessed to work most of my career as an outfitter on the Rogue. It was a great way to make a living and I feel fortunate that Bob hired me as a high school kid all of those years ago. My own kids got to grow up on the Rogue, and really, what could be better than that?

What is the personality of the Rogue and what are some of your favorite memories?

Friendly, fun, and wise.

I have so many great memories and experiences on the Rogue. Entering Mule Creek Canyon for the first time, hiking the river trail with the amazing canopy of trees, watching bald eagle and osprey battling over fish, partying at the guide shack at Paradise, more wildlife sightings than any other river in the lower 48, and the camaraderie and connection with hundreds of guests, guides, shuttle drivers, BLM folks, and other outfitters. The Rogue River is a treasure and I’m thankful for the experiences it has shared with me.

Zach Urness is a “writer of words about topics related to Oregon’s outdoors.” He lives in Salem, Oregon and writes for the Statesman Journal. Previously he worked for the Grants Pass Daily Courier, covering both their outdoor section and youth sports. Random Fact: In his own basketball days (a tremendously long, long time ago), Zach once guarded the ex-husband of Kim Kardashian on the basketball court (NBA baller Kris Humphries). 

The Interview

How were you introduced to the Rogue River?

When I was an outdoors reporter in Southern Oregon, the Rogue River was the center of the universe. It’s pretty tough to do that job without a working knowledge of the river. A lack of that knowledge —indeed, any misspelling of something Rogue-related — will inspire people to say unpleasant things about your upbringing.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

This is my best way of saying it, from a story a few years ago:

On Saturday mornings throughout the year, I’ll wake up, make coffee and head to the Rogue River. The hot summer days usually find me floating into the canyon scenery between Ennis Riffle and Grave Creek, leisurely and happy, the spray of rapids and warmth of sunshine alternating in mindless hours below cliff walls.

If it’s autumn, I’ll probably be driving toward Tou Velle or Valley of the Rogue State Park with a fly-rod in the trunk and thoughts of steelhead in mind.

I might tempt the wrath of Nugget-Powerhouse’s Class IV rapids in a hardshell kayak, or troll more peaceful water for spring chinook.

The Saturday adventures on the Rogue River change with the seasons, but the uniting theme is that they’re always available. The river is a friend who’s occasionally moody and even violent, yet is always there, just a short car ride away.

Favorite places on the Rogue?

Because it’s where I really started to understand it, and love it, the recreation section between Ennis Riffle and Grave Creek.

Describe the Rogue River community…

There is a wonderful community on the Rogue, but they are a touchy bunch for a reporter. You have to prove yourself a little first — show the ability to catch a fish or run rapids — before they’ll even consider your membership. Even then, it depends what you’re writing about. It can be a love-hate thing, but my only jealousy is reserved for Rogue River guides.

Has the Rogue River changed you?

I was mostly a backpacking / climbing / fishing / hunting guy when I arrived in Southern Oregon. The Rogue inspired a love of river-running that has become a major part of my life.

What is the personality of the Rogue?

Depends on the section. The North Fork (Upper Rogue) is fast and reckless, very much like a teenager. The longer its around, or the lower you get, the more complex it becomes, alternating between anger and mellowness and depth, pretty closely mirroring the condition of your standard adult human.

Tell us a Rogue River story…

Years ago, my friend Larry Cathy and I ran the entire wild section of the Rogue River in one day … in those old-school orange torpedos. It was pretty exhausting, and Larry took an awful swim at the beginning of Mule Creek Canyon. It shook him pretty bad, and he was weary about running Blossom Bar right after.

But after a pep talk he did it — catching the eddy and making it around the Picket Fence with smoothness and no drama. We celebrated at the bottom of Devil’s Staircase with cold beer. It was a great moment. Just the adrenaline and triumph and exhaustion of paddling 33 miles of the Rogue in 100 degree sunshine.

Later, when he had stage 4 cancer and knew he’d probably die within the year, he said he thought of that trip often. It was one of his favorite memories during the soul-sucking awfulness of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

It’s one of my favorite memories as well, now that he’s been gone three years. I remember my friend, discouraged but defiant, paddling into Blossom Bar.

Any last words?

LONG LIVE SEVYLOR ORANGE TORPEDOS!

Aaron Stone first floated the Rogue River in 1976. Since then, he’s worked on the Rogue as a professional guide and been involved in the whitewater manufacturing industry with his work at SOTAR and Sawyer Paddles and Oars. Back in the day, he was the Chairperson for the Nugget Whitewater Rodeo in the middle to late 90’s and now he helps out with the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival which is in May every year.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

My connection to the Rogue River started around 1976 when my parents took me on my very first Wild & Scenic Rogue trip, and from that trip I felt a deep connection to the Rogue River, as well being on and around rivers. In 1982 I discovered the world of getting paid to guide people down the river with Smith River Adventures and my mentor Willie Joe Smith. This took me to such companies as Noah’s and The Adventure Center to name a few, on rivers such as the Rogue, Upper & Lower Klamath, Smith, North Umpqua, Illinois, Cal-Salmon & Scott. There are a lot more rivers & creeks I have found my way down via kayaking.

How long have you been floating the Rogue?

Recreating since 1976 and guiding since 1982, which is starting to make me feel kinda old! However, not old…..just very experienced!

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue?

Before moving to Colorado, it was location location location! What’s not nice about doing afternoon laps on a Nugget/Powerhouse run or knowing that Grave Creek is an hour away? It was nice knowing that it was always there and seemingly unchanged from when I first gazed at the Rogue many many years ago.

Favorite place on the Rogue?

Wow…..all of them! But if I had to pick one place that is always special it is the Grave Creek launch. When I am there I know that I am beginning another Wild & Scenic trip that will allow me to forget almost anything for 2-4 days.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue River?

Of course there is a feeling of community! I have to believe that every person who has been on the Rogue River from Crater Lake to Gold Beach understands what a special river system it is and all that it offers.

Has the Rogue River changed you?

Definitely changed me. Had I not had my first experience on the Wild & Scenic in 1976, not sure that I would be who I am today….seriously. It was that amazement that I had back then that inspired me to continue boating and be involved with Guiding trips, kayaking, being involved with events/races, working for outdoor industry companies, and most importantly….gave me the friends that I have today who are very like minded.

Does the Rogue have a personality?

To me, the Rogue River has so many different characters and personality traits. From Old Growth forest near Crater Lake to meandering floats to the always fun Wild & Scenic section. This river has something for everyone!

One of my most memorable experiences on the Rogue River was in the Spring of 1994, when a group of us decided to do a flood stage float through the Wild & Scenic section. From what I recall, we launched from Galice around 9am and arrived at Foster Bar before 2pm if I recall correctly. I went on the trip thinking how “easy” it would be since everything would be under water and filled in…..not so! While some of the rapids filled in, it was a scorcher in terms of speed and nerve wracking floating with trees. Mule Creek was crested which created converging eddylines and some of the scariest hydraulics I had seen to date, and Blossom Bar while not having any rocks, was a pretty serious rapid. So last year when Will Volpert invited me to replicate the trip, it was one of those times when I could say, “been there, done that!” and kindly give beta on what to expect.

Any last words?

If you have not been on the Rogue you probably don’t understand how a lot of us feel and perhaps don’t get the connection to this wonderful river. Take some time and float the river and you will understand how special this river truly is.

On my bucket list is to hike the Rogue River trail, but somehow I know that from the trail I will be looking at the water and longing to be on it……

Nicole Smedegaard works for O.A.R.S. Rafting Trips and lives in Eugene, Oregon. She grew up in Wimer, Oregon, and first started exploring the Rogue River as a child (her nickname as a kid was “nature girl”). When she’s not exploring rivers she works as an Environmental Education Coordinator.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I’m a guide with O.A.R.S. Oregon and a recreational private boater.

How long have you been floating the Rogue?

I’ve been recreating on the Rogue in one form or another since before I can even remember, so since the ’80s. One of my first memories is along the banks of the Rogue as a kid learning about the finer qualities of mud. My father would take me out in his jet boat back when Savage Rapids Dam (1921 -2009) created a reservoir near the town of Rogue River. We went to Boatnick every Memorial Day and despite listening carefully I never did figure out what a blown picklefork drag boat was. I inner tubed my way down the recreational section of the Rogue through the ’90s; first behind a jet boat and then sun burnt on a tractor tube with high school friends. I started backpacking and hiked Crater Lake and the North Fork Rogue. This was before I couldn’t look at a stream without picking my line through each rapid. Then in 2010 I saw the Wild and Scenic section for the first time as a private boater via raft. I got hooked on whitewater, bought my own boat and in 2012 I became a guide. Now I live and love summers on the Rogue.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue?

The water, geology and flora. The water quality as well as the friendly quality of most rapids (thanks Glen Wooldridge) make it a great river for swimming and whitewater boating. The fluting in the sandstone and slate of Kelsey Canyon is my favorite geological feature. Madrone and iris are my favorite plants.

Favorite place on the Rogue?

At the base of Stair Creek Falls.

What’s the community like on the Rogue River?

The community on the Rogue is defined by the common interest that brings many diverse micro-communities together: the river. Each community has their own values. Everyone has a different idea of what a river trip should be. We form a community when we join in the common interest of preserving and enjoying this beautiful place.

How has the Rogue shaped your life?

I have chosen to live a seasonal life style in order to continue my affair with the Rogue River. The shape of my life is a cut bank. I’m obsessed with exploring rivers and the power of this obsession deepens the channel my life takes towards this goal every year. I can’t climb back up that bank now, it’s too steep and I’m happy here. My aspirations to identify a new flower or to nail my line through a difficult rapid won’t make sense to everyone in my life. I can try and explain it, but it’s easier to get them out on the river and just show them.

Does the Rogue have a personality?

The Rogue is a people person.

Everyone has their own story of the Rogue. Native peoples have survived and traded here for thousands of years, passing down river stories. Prospectors struck it rich here…or didn’t. Farmers sustain their fields from irrigation provided by its waters. Dams are built, dams are removed. Lodges get broken into by bears. Kids catch their first fish. Kayakers shred the gnar. Hikers contract poison oak. Drift boats line the falls. Rafters get wrapped on the picket fence. Guides keep it real, except when telling a story…

Any last words?

If you want to ensure good river karma for the next time you row through Blossom, make sure to pick up some litter along the way and pack it out.