February 14th is more than just Valentine’s Day. For folks who enter the permit lottery to run the Rogue and Salmon rivers, it’s a day for heartbreak or hallelujah. You win the lottery and get a permit? Time to celebrate. If you didn’t get a permit? Don’t worry, all is not lost and you have options. In both cases, what you do next will determine how much fun you have on your whitewater adventures.

You Won (or Lost) the Rogue or Salmon River Permit Lottery...Now What?

Whether you won or lost the lottery, the time to plan is now. Rafting is heaven on earth, but it requires gear and planning to maximize fun and comfort.

Let’s start with the winners.

Sweet, you won the lottery. The much-coveted permit to run either the Rogue River or Salmon River is officially in your possession. What you might not know is how to acquire the right gear and shuttle transportation between put-in and takeout. Is your raft appropriate for the river? Is your frame in solid, working condition? These are just the starting points of planning, but they need to be dialed.

Or maybe you didn’t win the lottery.

Don’t let the gentle rejection letter bring you down too far. You can still plan a trip on either river, and have just as much or even more fun than running it on your own.

Regardless of whether you won the permit lottery or not, the things that will determine how much fun you have on the river are:

• Having the right gear

• Having a definitive plan

• Keeping on top of planning and prep for your adventure.

That’s where we come in. Whitewater Cowboys and Orange Torpedo Trips are some of the most experienced and longest serving outfitters and guides on both of these rivers. Whitewater Cowboys are expert in providing the rafts and gear you need, as well as developing a vehicle shuttle plan to ensure the entire trip is a win. OTT’s Row Your Own (RYO) trips are no-lottery-required, and we do all the logistical and food planning.

Who should I call next?

Permit Winner? Whitewater Cowboys is your rental gear and logistics partner.

As excited as you are about winning a permit on the Rogue or Salmon Rivers (and you should be!) we are just as excited to make your trip as flawless as possible. A few key considerations will give you the confidence you need to launch on your once in a season, or even once in a lifetime trip.

• “I think my raft is fine”. “Does this frame fit properly?” If you aren’t sure, be sure. Rent one of our professional-grade rafts designed for multi-day expeditions on these rivers. Whether you want an oared raft or a paddle raft, an inflatable kayak or a double, we have your vessel.

• “Hopefully our shuttle driver left the car at the takeout”. We shuttle more trips than anyone else on the river. People trust us because we ensure your vehicle shows up where and when it is supposed to.

• “Do we have the right amount of food? The Right kind of food?” We’ve done this so many times before, our experienced staff can help you choose the right supplies for your group and your tastes.

• “What should we expect from the weather, the water temperature, the flow of the river?” We are on the river all year, and we’ve experienced it all. We’ll help you make the right choices, and ensure you’re prepared for every seasonal change the river throws at you.

These are just a few of the questions to think about. And for these, and any other questions you have, Whitewater Cowboys is your one stop solution.

No Permit? Call Orange Torpedo for a Row Your Own Trip

Losing sucks, obviously. But losing out on a permit doesn’t mean missing an incredible time on the river. Orange Torpedo Trips should be your first call after that news arrives. We have quite a few options for Row Your Own that will quench even the most voracious appetites for whitewater fun. If you are a capable DIY boater, this is a great solution. It’s a simple concept:

1. We provide the permit.

2. We handle the food, logistics, and big planning.

3. You bring the skills and your crew of friends.

You’re still rowing your own boats and camping under the stars on some of the most legendary rivers imaginable. In many ways, this is less for you to think about and plan than managing the whole trip planning effort. Essentially plug and play, but you still get to do all the fun.

Row Your Own trip options

Here are just a few of the incredible Row Your Own trips we offer. For a complete list, check out Find Your Trip:

Rogue River Row Your Own

Show up to the put-in in Southern Oregon with your own boat, or rent one of ours. We manage the heavy gear, cook the meals, and make sure you find all the best spots on the river. We guide you in a way that encourages exploration but also helps you find the best lines through the bigger rapids. You and your crew get all the laughs and bonding, while we prepare the food.

Rogue River Hiking & Running Lodge Trips

Looking for a change of pace? If you’ve already seen the Rogue from the water, try seeing it from the rim. Our Rogue River Trail Hiking and running trips offer a fresh perspective on this legendary canyon—trading the paddle for the trail and the raft for the rhythm of the path, all while maintaining the comfort of our favorite riverside lodges.

Lower Salmon Row Your Own

This classic river features big, sandy beaches and a comfortable flow of the river. You’ll have plenty of time to expand your skills and choose your own lines through mellower rapids, with just enough guidance on the larger ones to ensure your confidence peaks. This is a great trip for families who want to use various inflatable vessels, and we even tow you across the “Snake Lake” at the end so you can avoid a long row for takeout.

Main Salmon Shoulder Season RYO

Permits on the main are harder to score. Luckily, we have access to permits every year, and we also manage all the administrative planning, food prep, and gear haul. This is a great way to experience the legendary Main Salmon with a balance of support and independence.

Permit lottery isn’t a win or lose scenario

Whether you scored a permit or not, your summer rafting adventure is still absolutely a “go”. Check out Whitewatercowboys.com to arrange all the essentials for your private permit win. Or if the computer didn’t select your name, then reach out to Orangetorpedo.com to book a Row Your Own trip. Everybody wins.