Jerry’s Rogue River Jet Boats

We recommend Jerry’s Rogue River Jet Boats for an entertaining, educational, and invigorating adventure (May through October, 800-451-3645, www.roguejets.com.) Boats depart from a well marked dock located in Gold Beach on the south side of the bridge that crosses the Rogue as you travel north on 101. These trips are perfect for all ages, so if you’re traveling with children, consider this a terrific way to spend the day. Jerry’s vessels are modern riverboats custom designed for the river and certified by the Coast Guard, so you don’t have to worry about safety. Tours of different lengths are available, but we encourage you to take the 104-mile excursion to venture deep into the forest and climb some 350 feet up a series of rapids. Allow eight hours for a round trip, which includes lunch or dinner, depending on your departure time. The first leg of the journey takes place in a lovely estuary where temperatures are often chilly, so grab one of the on-board blankets—you won’t need it long as you make your way east into the hotter, drier inland areas. Your guide will describe the gorgeous surroundings and you’ll have fun looking for river otters, birds, deer, and even bears. At the rustic and forested town of Agness, you’ll switch to a smaller boat, one better designed to navigate the narrow gorges, hairpin turns, and shallow rapids ahead. This is truly a voyage now! At Paradise Lodge farther inland, you’ll stop for sustenance before making your reluctant way back to the ocean. Talk to Jerry about the option to spend the night at Paradise Lodge, if you prefer. Guestrooms are small and plainly furnished, but appropriate to this spot so far from civilization!