Overview

The Rogue River is one of the original eight rivers in the United States designated by Congress as Wild and Scenic. The Hellgate jetboat excursion opportunity on this river is extremely unique and serves as one of a handful in the western United States offering a commercial sightseeing trip of this kind.

The Rogue stretches for almost 200 miles from its headwaters near Crater Lake National Park to the Oregon coast at Gold Beach. Located midway along its lush banks lays the city of Grants Pass - the home of Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. Providing access to the Rogue River since 1959, these specially designed wide-beamed jetboats skim the scenic waters high and dry. The Hellgate Jetboat Excusions office is a bustle of activity, as the friendly staff answers questions, takes reservations, and directs guests to loading docks for boarding.

Minutes after departing the dock, wildlife begins to flirt with the passengers. Great blue herons, bald eagles, grazing deer, and other river inhabitants are often seen throughout the day. The photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. Along the way, the pilot will slow your boat to interpret historic sites of unique point of interest. The ever-changing scenery is painted with wildflowers, indigenous trees, and birds. This creates a colorful backdrop for sharing of the river lore.

These Coast Guard licensed boat pilots know the Rogue River like the backs of their hands. Learning to skillfully maneuver the river has taken years of experience. These jetboat excursions provide a unique opportunity for different generations to share the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.

Anyone who loves magnificent scenery will enjoy the breathtaking trip through Hellgate Canyon. At Hellgate, the canyon walls narrow, shooting 200 feet straight up as the river slices between! While the Rogue was made famous by Zane Gray, Hellgate Canyon owes it fame to John Wayne who catapulted off the edge while filming scenes for “Rooster Cogburn”. More recently, scenes from “The River Wild” with Meryl Streep were filmed in the canyon.

With five different excursions to choose from, there’s a trip to fit every schedule and pocketbook.

The two-hour “Scenic” tour certainly makes the Rogue “user-friendly” for those who might not try traditional river experiences. No boating skills required here – a love of outdoor fun is the only requirement. This invigorating outdoor adventure is great for anyone from children to grandparents. Physically challenged and handicapped individuals are delighted that they, too, can share this rare river opportunity.

Thrill seekers will get a “rush” from the five-hour “Whitewater” tour. After cruising the Rogue through steep-walled Hellgate Canyon, you’ll pause to put on your life vest … an indication of greater adventure ahead. As your jetboat ventures on, you’ll maneuver through narrows and turbulent riffles, skimming over just inches of water to the very edge of the Rogue’s restricted section at Grave Creek. On the return trip, a riverside meal stop at Galice Resort gives you a chance to catch your breath and enjoy a hearty meal.

A crystal-clear morning sets the tone for the weekend “Champagne Brunch” excursion. This four-hour excursion is highlighted by a sumptuous brunch, served family style on the open-air deck at the O.K. Corral Restaurant. Fresh fruit platters, champagne, juice and piping hot coffee get you started. An ample country meal of ranch-hand biscuits and gravy, light and fluffy scrambled eggs, seasoned country potatoes, locally made pork sausage and thick crispy bacon is topped off with fragrant homemade coffee cake.

Relax and enjoy a unique three-hour lunch experience on an open-air deck, reserved exclusively for jetboat guests, overlooking the beautiful Rogue Rover. Staff at the O.K. Corral will serve you a delicious country-style lunch; they’ll get you started with a tossed green salad with homemade honey-mustard dressing. The main course features barbecue chicken, potato salad and homemade cornbread and biscuits. Beverages include iced tea, lemonade, hot tea and coffee. After a delicious dessert you’ll head back up river, pleased that you selected this trip!

Departing daily, the afternoon “Country Banquet” dinner cruise also brings rave reviews. This four-hour excursion whisks you down the Rogue to Hellgate Canyon and on the return trip stops at the O.K. Corral for a dinner you’ll not soon forget. Fresh veggies and salad, piping hot cornbread and biscuits, platters of barbecue ribs and chicken are just part of the good home cookin’ you’ll sample. Topped off with dessert and accompanied by beer, wine, iced tea, and lemonade, you’ll soon be crying “Enough!” And if that’s not enough, some uninvited guests – black tail deer – may very well join you. This trip is a feast for the eyes and the appetite.

Any way you do it, a Hellgate Jetboat Excursion is a great way to see one of Oregon’s famous rivers – while keeping your feet dry.

   Affiliations

• America Outdoors
• Oregon Guides & Packers
• Southern Oregon Visitors Association
• Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce
• Medford & Ashland Chamber of Commerce
• Portland Oregon Visitors Association
• Brookings Chamber of Commerce
• Springfield Chamber of Commerce
• Illinois Valley Visitors Association
• Rotary International
• Josephine County Historical Society
• Oregon Restaurant Association

   Payments Accepted