Hiking the Rogue River Trail with Rogue Journeys, frequently asked questions.

1. What kind of shape do I need to be in?

A raft-assisted hiking trip has multiple benefits compared with a standard self-support hiking trip. First, the raft will carry everything except your lunch, water and camera, so all you need is a small backpack. Second, we can get to the raft a few times a day, so if you get tired, you will always have the option of hopping on for a ride.

We do recommend that you come prepared. The trip covers 44 miles of varied terrain. We average a little over 10 miles a day, so we recommend that prior to the trip you do some hiking and build up to doing at least one 12-mile hike in a day prior to coming on the trip. While some guests choose not to do much physical preparation for the trip, those who do tend to have more energy to fully enjoy everything the trip has to offer.

2. Is there a guide on the trail?

On all Rogue Journeys trips except the un-guided self-support trip, we always have a minimum of one guide on the trail. Most trips include two guides on the trail and one or two raft guides, depending on the size of the group. We believe having a guide on the trail to share stories of the canyon’s history and geography as well as to answer questions on location, timing or dealing with any incidents significantly improves the quality of the experience for the customer.

3. Do I need a guide on the trail?

Having a guide on the trail adds to the experience of the trip. You will learn more about where you are and leave with a more fulfilling experience when you have a guide.

4. Can I ride the raft if I get tired?

This is one of the benefits of this style trip. If your feet need a break, take the afternoon off and see the river canyon from water level. However, due to the nature of the trail and the steepness of the canyon, there is only river access at specific points throughout the day. In the morning your guide will let you know when throughout the day the group will have access to the rafts. Only at these specific points will you be able to either get on or off the raft.

5. What is included in the price?

All GUIDED Rogue Journeys trips are all-inclusive. The cost of your trip includes guides, transportation from and back to our facility, all meals and lodging, beverages, including soda, beer, wine and limited spirits, and a dry bag to keep your nighttime gear dry on the raft. You will also receive a custom coffee-table photo book to remember your trip.

6. How much stuff am I going to carry?

You will only need a small backpack or lumbar pack to carry 1-2 liters of water, lunch, a camera, and a layer or two of clothing.

7. How many hours a day are we on the trail?

The group usually starts walking around 9:30 or 10:00am; however, it is occasionally earlier, depending on camping or lodging and the weather. On hot days we start earlier. The group usually arrives at the evening camp or lodge between 3 and 5pm, depending on the day of the trip and the speed of the group. These times are never set in stone, but they have seemed to work well for most groups in the past.

8. What kind of shoes should I bring?

People hike the Rogue River Trail in a variety of footwear. Most people find a supportive pair of light hiking boots or trail running shoes work best. Wear whatever shoe works well for you and gives enough ankle support to help prevent rolling your ankle. We advise people have shoes or boots with GORE-TEX or a similar waterproof/breathable capability. We advise against bringing new shoes. Your shoes should be thoroughly broken in before coming on the trip; you should have walked 10 miles in a day in any shoe you bring.

9. What is the cancellation/reservation policy?

All trip reservations must be received via phone or online reservation with email confirmation.
o Trip reservation is not considered valid until deposit has been paid. All major credit cards and checks are accepted for deposits and full payments.
o A valid credit card must be kept on file for all trip bookings.
o Valid mailing address, contact phone number and email address are also required for all bookings.
o Full trip payment is due 120 days prior to trip departure date. All guests will receive an email notification 5 days before payment date. We will automatically charge the card on record 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise notified. We must have either a check or card payment at the 120-day deadline. If trip is not paid in full, the reservation will be subject to cancellation by Rogue Journeys.
o “Exclusive” trip bookings:
o A group must pay for a minimum of 18 spots to reserve a private trip.

Group Discounts
o For every 10 full-paid fares, the group will receive the 11th person for free.

Cancellation Policy
o If canceling 120 days or more prior to departure date: All deposits can be reapplied 100% to any other Rogue Journeys adventure for 1 full season. After the following season, that trip credit will be dismissed.
o If canceling less than 120 days before departure date: All deposits and trip fees will be forfeited.
o Trip cancellation insurance is available on an optional basis.
O Insurance protects against family, medical and in-route travel emergencies.

Trip Cancellation Protection
You are encouraged to purchase Trip Cancellation Protection or travel insurance if you are concerned about the possibility of canceling your trip. We offer Trip Cancellation Protection as a way for you to protect against the loss of your deposit and/or cost of your trip if you are required to cancel your trip for certain unforeseen reasons. The cost of the Trip Cancellation Protection is based on the cost of your trip as follows:
Rogue Wild and Scenic Cancellation Protection $24.99
This cost is per person: For example, the cost of Trip Cancellation Protection for two will be two payments of $24.99. The Trip Cancellation Protection must be purchased not less than 120 days prior to your scheduled departure date or at the time of your initial deposit, if later.

10. What is the terrain like?

At the start of the Rogue River Trail, the elevation is 689 feet, and at the conclusion, the elevation is 474 feet. Over the entirety of the trip, the group will be walking downhill, declining a total of 215 feet. However, the trail does go up and down as it navigates the main canyon walls and the tributary canyons. The trail is generally very well maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service, but you should come with the ability to navigate uneven ground.