Pacific Northwest Aug 2019 - Day 3 Rafting on the Rogue River

[katiebaz]

We slept until 5.45am today which was a result and all felt so much better than the day before. Breakfast was basic incorporating muffins, fruit and cereal but very pleasant and we had enjoyed our stay.
We then headed through the stunning Oregon countryside to the wonderfully named Rogue River, as we had a white-water rafting trip booked that afternoon.

On the way we stopped at this very cute covered bridge and at the Rogue River State Park to have a walk and eat the picnic lunch we picked up earlier. The state park was really a rest area and campsite but had plenty of space and picnic tables as well as a trailer selling delicious local peaches which we enjoyed.

We arrived at the rafting company 45 minutes before our scheduled time and were a bit taken back to find the place closed and no-one around. Next door was a small petrol station and the man in there was really helpful and said the guys would be back soon and to go inside and wait. We were starting to discover that people in Oregon were not only really friendly but also very laid back. So we got changed and put our stuff in the car and before long a van pulling several rafts arrived as did the rest of the guests.

We’ve been rafting quite a number of times and this was one the best. Not only were the rapids hugely good fun (class 4) but our guide was fantastic and we shared our raft with a lovely older couple from near Portland, called Sandy and Bob. We were really impressed to find out Bob is a theme park ride engineer and we had a great chat about rollercoasters. As well as riding the rapids, there was plenty of chances to jump in and swim on this trip as well as take in the stunning scenery in glorious sunshine.

After arriving back at the car, we bought a photo of our trip, said our goodbyes to Sandy and Bob and headed to nearby Medford for the night. We stayed in a Best Western with a lovely huge room, which we could pull up right outside - I do love US motels for that. There was also a really nice pool and hot tub which was wonderful to soak in after rafting.

That night we walked to the closest restaurant, called the Big Bear Diner, an Oregon chain we really enjoyed. The day’s exertion had left us very hungry but still we struggled to finish our meals of pot roast, meat loaf and burger which were all really tasty and great value.
After dinner, Daniel managed another swim whilst Steve and I relaxed with a beer, enjoying the start of our adventure and looking forward to the days ahead.

[anji]

Exciting day! We've been to Big Bear diners too - great value and good food.

[CrispyA]

Rafting sounds great fun - picture is really good. And glad that the jet lag was easing off a bit - it’s a killer those first few days.

[katiebaz]

Originally Posted by CrispyA

Rafting sounds great fun - picture is really good. And glad that the jet lag was easing off a bit - it’s a killer those first few days.

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The rafting was great fun and one of the best we have done

[Sparksy72]

That rafting looks amazing! What a wonderful experience

[smithlane]

The rafting looks great fun, we're hoping to do it on our upcoming trip to the Smokies!

[katiebaz]

Originally Posted by Sparksy72

That rafting looks amazing! What a wonderful experience

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We love rafting and it really is such a fun way to spend some time on a river

[katiebaz]

Originally Posted by smithlane

The rafting looks great fun, we're hoping to do it on our upcoming trip to the Smokies!

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You must! I highly recommend the Ocoee river in the smokies which has some fabulous Rapids and one of the best we have ever rafted on.