Illinois River, OR

The Illinois is the Rogue's wildest tributary. It runs through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in Southern Oregon with a Wild and Scenic designation, class IV whitewater and no road access for most of its length. We don't guide it, but Whitewater Cowboys keeps your car moving while you do.

The river

The standard trip runs 31 miles from Miami Bar to Oak Flat near Agness, just above where the Illinois meets the Rogue. The water is clear and green, the canyon is steep and the rapids build to the Green Wall, a long class IV that sets the tone for the whole run. Snowmelt and rain drive the flows, and the river can rise fast in a storm, so experienced boaters watch the gauge closely. It is one of the most famous wilderness runs in the Northwest for exactly that reason, and boaters from across the West plan their spring around it.

Trips on the Illinois

This is a private-boater river. Whitewater Cowboys runs the vehicle shuttle for the standard multi-day Illinois Wilderness trip, Miami Bar to Oak Flat, for $359 per car. We run it Wednesday through Sunday when there are three rigs to move between the Illinois and the Rogue, so call to confirm before you count on it. Rafts, inflatable kayaks, dry bags and river toilets rent from our Merlin shop. Orange Torpedo Trips and Briggs don't run guided trips here. If you'd rather have a guide, the Rogue is next door with every trip length we offer.

When to go

The Illinois is a spring river. Most trips run March through May while there is enough water, and the window closes fast once the rain stops. Flows are read at the Kerby gauge, and most boaters skip the river when a big storm is on the way.

Getting there

Miami Bar is reached from Selma, off Highway 199 southwest of Grants Pass. Oak Flat is near Agness on the lower Rogue. Drop a spare key in the mail slot at our Merlin shop on your way out, and your vehicle will be waiting at the takeout.