Scott Ogren is the owner of Ogren Engineering based in Portland, Oregon. He is a member of the Oregon Whitewater Association and has organized numerous large group trips on the Rogue River. His first time in the Rogue River canyon was during a backpacking trip on the Rogue River trail in 1982. He’s been rafting the river since 2007.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a recreational boater and have backpacked the Rogue River trail several times as well.

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

The first time I backpacked the Rogue River trail was in 1982 and the first time I boated the Rogue was in 2007.

What are your favorite qualities of the Rogue River?

It’s beautiful and unique. It is very rugged and isolated. The trees in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River canyon are amazing and diverse to look at.

Favorite spot on the Rogue?

Downstream of Blossom Bar – that means I made it through!

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

I was once guiding a backpacking trip on the Rogue River trail and Court Boyce – the owner of Paradise Lodge – helped me tremendously with my group. The favor he did for me is another story entirely. The people on the river do create a community that is strong.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

The Rogue has a personality all her own. She is unique and the fact that this river starts on one side of a mountain range and ends the other is testament to how unique of a river the Rogue is.