Trip Summary

Embark on an exhilarating yet serene half-day whitewater rafting or kayaking journey down the Rogue River. This adventure blends the tranquil beauty of scenic canyons, lively whitewater, and the chance to witness diverse wildlife, making it a perfect short getaway. Ideal for families or groups seeking a splash of excitement and relaxation on the Rogue River, our trip includes opportunities for whitewater fun, swimming, and unwinding in nature's lap.

We offer two distinct half-day excursions on this segment of the Rogue River. The Morning Half-day trip is a gentle adventure, featuring less intense whitewater amid breathtaking scenery, suitable for families with younger children or those desiring a softer adventure. The morning trip includes a float through the incredible Hellgate Canyon, where one is left breathless by the grandeur of the canyon walls. The Afternoon half-day trip caters to families with teenagers or anyone eager for more whitewater action. This trip features a series of enjoyable class II rapids, with the largest rapids of this river section, striking the perfect balance between thrill and scenery.

As on most of our trips, participants have the option to be in a raft with their group or to enjoy the trip in one of our custom inflatable kayaks. Both are great options, but the inflatable kayaks are what we are famous for. Our guides will also be paddling inflatable kayaks, teaching you how to get down the river and allowing you to enjoy this immersive experience. Even within your group you can mix and match so that each participant has the adventure that is right for them. This flexibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their skill level or adventure preference, can fully enjoy their time in the whitewater of the Rogue River.

Reserve your spot on our Hellgate whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking half-day trip on the Rogue River today, and prepare for an unforgettable experience!


At Orange Torpedo Trips – Everyone is welcome and appreciated

Orange Torpedo Trips is now an official PAL PLACE. Here is how PAL explains their mission:

Just as wheel chair ramps and ADA accommodations enabled those with mobility challenges to more easily travel, shop, visit entertainment venues, and attend sporting events, our proprietary set of technology-based learning resources open communities to people with non-visible disabilities. Pal’s vision is to create a national network of Pal Places by developing custom videos, digital guides, and on-site resources that enhance specific customer experiences for all guests, and particularly for families and individuals impacted by autism and related non-visible intellectual and developmental differences. Rooted in evidence-based best practices in behavioral therapy, our learning resources reduce anxiety and communication barriers, and offer support for those with sensory sensitivities.

We believe that everyone benefits from days on the river and that we benefit as people from spending time with EVERYONE on the river. This is why we are working with PAL and doing what we can to make rafting approachable and fun for everyone.  If you are, or if you want to bring your friend/family member who is, on the Spectrum or has a non-visible disability PAL has worked with us help make some resources to increase the likelihood it is a good experience.  Find all the resources from PAL on their Orange Torpedo Trips resource page.

Here is a SOCIAL STORY video we worked with PAL to create so you can help prepare for your day on the river.

Trip at a glance

Price Range
$79-$99
Duration
1/2 Day
Distance
7-9 miles
Start/End
Merlin Oregon
Seasons
May - October
Closest Airport
Medford, OR
Who is this trip for?

Those looking for a little more mellow trip with plenty of scenery.

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Dates / Rates

Rogue River Morning 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

Price:

Sunday-Friday

  • Adult: $89
  • Youth: $79

Saturday and Holidays

  • Adult: $99
  • Youth: $89

Trip Start Dates:

May 1st to - October 30

Trip Time:

8:30 AM to 12:30 PM


Youth is anyone 17 years old and under.

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Rogue River Afternoon 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

Price:

Sunday-Friday

  • Adult: $99
  • Youth: $89

Saturday and Holidays

  • Adult: $109
  • Youth: $99

Trip Start Dates:

May 1st to - October 30

Trip Time:

1 PM to 4:30 PM


Youth is anyone 17 years old and under.

Itinerary

Rogue River Hellgate 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

1/2 Day AM: Meets at our shop at 8:30AM and is returned around 12:30PM.

Meet in our shop in Merlin. We are located at 210 Merlin Rd, Merlin Oregon. Exit Interstate 5 at exit 61 and drive 3.2 miles west. We are on the right hand side of the road. At our store you will meet your guides and get fitted for PFD’s before having the chance to buy any last minute items like sunscreen or straps for your sunglasses. When everyone has everything the group will load into the vans for the short 10 minute ride to the famous Rogue River.

When we arrive at the put-in you can take a few minutes to get your sunscreen loaded on while the guides get all of the boats ready to go. When the boats are ready the head guide will do a quick but thorough orientation on the type of boat you will be going down the river in (Orange Torpedo Kayak, Paddle Raft, or Oared Raft). When everyone is geared up it’s time to load in and start rafting the Rogue River. The adventure starts right away with the swift water leading into Hellgate Canyon, a scenic wonderland with forbidding cliffs rising from the water on both shores.

At the conclusion of the canyon is the groups first class II, Dunn Riffle, which is followed quickly by another fun class II rooster tail. After some splashing it will feel good to kick back and dry off in between the many riffles during the float towards upper and Lower Galice, two more thrilling class II rapids, back to back.

At Galice the adventure concludes and we load into the van for a 15 minute drive back to our shop and the end of your Rogue River rafting adventure.

1/2 Day PM: Meets at our shop at 1:00PM and is returned around 4:30PM.

Meet in our shop in Merlin. We are located at 210 Merlin Rd, Merlin Oregon. Exit Interstate 5 at exit 61 and drive 3.2 miles west. We are on the right hand side of the road. At our store you will meet your guides and get fitted for PFD’s before having the chance to buy any last minute items like sunscreen or straps for your sunglasses. When everyone has everything the group will load into the vans for the short 15 minute ride to the famous Rogue River at Galice.

When we arrive at the put-in you can take a few minutes to get your sunscreen loaded on while the guides get all of the boats ready to go. When the boats are ready the head guide will do a quick but thorough orientation on the type of boat you will be going down the river in (Orange Torpedo Kayak, Paddle Raft, or Oared Raft). After loading the group will head out towards the first few rapids below Galice.  These give a great chance to warm up your paddling skills before the first named class II rapid, Chair, about 1.5 miles down stream.  

As the afternoon goes on the whitewater just gets better and the scenery more grand.  At Almeda rapid you will paddle through the best wave train of the day while also having the chance to take in the views of the historic mining site.  After Almeda comes the scenic Argo canyon and the biggest rapid of the day Argo.  This rapid was a class V waterfall before being blown up with dynamite by early river travelers in the 1940’s and 50s.  Today it is a large class II wave train down the middle with a few rocks to avoid.  Eventually the group will arrive at Grave Creek boat ramp where you can look downstream at the first class III rapids you would be running if you were on our three day trip through the Wild and Scenic wilderness.  However, instead of heading on, into the canyon, our group will load into the van for a 30 minute drive back to the shop.

Travel Info

Where to Meet Orange Torpedo Trips

Meet in our shop in Merlin. We are located at 210 Merlin Rd. Merlin, Oregon. Exit Interstate 5 at exit 61 and drive 3.2 miles west. We are on the right hand side of the road.

Accommodations

Grants Pass and the surrounding area have a number of wonderful places to stay, these just happen to be a few of our favorites.

Camping

If you plan to camp while you’re here, we recommend Indian Mary Park (541-474-5285). The nearest RV Park is Beaver Creek RV on Merlin Rd., although Indian Mary Park also provides full RV hook-ups. We have a parking lot that will accommodate RVs while you are on your trip.

Flying In

The nearest commercial airport is Medford Oregon, airport code MFR.  For those flying their own planes, the Grants Pass airport is just a few miles from us.

Packing List

Packing list for the half-day trip on the Rogue River.

What to pack

Hellgate 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

  • Swim attire
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Camera or phone to help you remember the adventure

FAQs

Please find all reservation and cancellation policies here: https://www.orangetorpedo.com/reservation-policies/

We strongly encourage all customers to purchase travel insurance through travel guard to help protect your travel investment against the things that come up in life. It’s a small additional price for the comfort to know that if something comes up (illness, work change, etc) you will have the ability to recover your significant travel investment. Get a Travel Guard Quote Here.

NOPE. One of the best parts of a wilderness river trip is that your phone will not work. No cell service, 3G, wireless or any of the above. It’s a beautiful thing.

As on most of our trips we offer a variety of river craft to choose from. Orange Torpedo Trips is best known for inflatable kayaking with 80% of our customers choosing this as the way to go down the river, but on this trip we offer 3 types of river craft on this trip. Watch the video to learn more about our 3-boats.

Orange Torpedo

Learn to paddle your own inflatable kayak (Torpedo). We have guides in Torpedo’s teaching you how to paddle and leading you through the rapids in a 4 to 1 ratio. If you happen to fall out the guides have you out of the river in seconds. 45+ years of doing it on the Rogue River and tens of thousands of satisfied returning customers prove that it is extremely fun.

Paddle Raft

A more traditional type of rafting, paddle rafts are a great way to go if you still want to do some work, but think the torpedo is just a little to much. Work with a team of your friends paddling the big boat through the rapids as the guide sits in the back to help navigate.

Oared Raft

Hop on an oared raft and ride in luxury. This is the relaxed way to travel. If taking in the scenery and letting the guide do the work is how you vacation then hop on board. 

Yes.  On this trip you are required to sign a “release of liability” form.  Click here to download a copy of the paperwork.

Kids as young as five can join us on the tris trip.

Youth is 17 and under.

Helmets are required on kids 10 and under all the time.  Anyone in an inflatable kayak is required to wear a helmet.  On rafts those over 10 can choose to wear, or not wear, a helmet.

An Orange Torpedo is our custom-designed inflatable kayak. 

30+ days prior to launch we require a 30% deposit to make a reservation.

Within 30 days of launch the full payment is due for the trip at the time of booking.