Rogue River Hellgate Tour – Half-day

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.

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.

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.

•  Redwood Motel Grants Pass Oregon   888-535-8824 (recommended)
• Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass Oregon  541-471-6144

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 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