Thomas Hood – Grants Pass, Oregon

Thomas Hood and his family float the Wild & Scenic Rogue at least once a year. He lives in Grant Pass and works for Frontier Communications out in the Applegate area. He has spent the last 18 years of his life working in the Communications Industry in Oregon and Idaho.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I’m a recreational boater.

How long have you been floating the Rogue?

I first started coming to the Rogue when I was 5 years old or so. We initially would head to Agness and spend a week or so in the Fall chasing Half Pounders. We then found Indian Mary Camp Ground and started camping there usually in July and started rafting. This was my initiation to rafting. I still take my family out to the Galice area and raft every free chance we get during the Summer.

What are the best qualities of the Rogue?

Year round fishing, great weather, awesome scenery and exciting rapids.

Favorite places on the Rogue?

My favorite place on the Rogue would have to be Mule Creek Canyon. It is just a beautiful canyon and the whitewater is fun.

Is there a sense of community on the Rogue?

The boating community on the Rogue has been ready and willing to step up when someone needs it. I’ve seen groups work for hours to help total strangers out. Seems that most of the time you would have more people offering to help than you would actually need.

How has the Rogue shaped your life?

The Rogue was my introduction to rafting which now is a huge part of mine and my families lives. We spend as much time floating on some river as we can.

What is the personality of the Rogue?

Mellow river that can be fun for the whole family but also exciting for everyone.

Any last words?

The Rogue is just and awesome river whether you raft, fish, or hike. I feel extremely lucky that I get to live next to and raise my kids on this river.