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.