Rogue River - Whiskey Creek, Rum Creek, Booze Creek
After a portage at Rainie Falls (formerly known as Whiskey Creek Falls) and a short float down the Rogue River through China Gulch, Rum Creek tumbles into the river from the left (south) bank.
In April of 1856, army forces in pursuit of the Rogue Indians descended to the mouth of Rum Creek after deciding the country on the south side of the river was too rough to travel with 300 men, horses and a months supply of food and ammunition. They met up with forces on the opposite side and spent 5 hours shuttling men, horses and supplies across the river in two small boats.
Following the Indian Wars of 1855-56, miners moved into the area, and there are still traces of an old mining ditch and flume that extends downriver nearly 2 miles down to Tyee Bar.
Whiskey Creek joins the Rogue on the north (right) bank.
This drainage was the site of extensive mining in the late 1800’s. Some of the Rogue River country’s richest gold mines were located in this region. The cabin shown was built by an unknown miner in the 1880’s. It is located a short ¼ mile hike up from the river and is well worth the walk. Lou Martin was the last owner of the cabin and it is now maintained as a historic site by the BLM. The outbuildings and cabin give a glimpse into a long-lost way of life in the Rogue River Canyon. Be sure to look for the “Pet cemetery” if you visit the cabin.
A short distance below Whiskey Creek, Booze Creek joins the Rogue. Can you tell what was on the old miners minds when they named these creeks ?
Next: Black Bar--an Indian battle, a murder and some real characters of the Rogue
