OU T D O O R S RAFTING AND FISHING
NOT-SO-LAZY RIVERS Crater Lake and the Pacific Ocean might come to mind when thinking about Southern Oregon waters, but the region is home to a massive network of waterways, ripe for fishing, rafting and more. Dozens of lakes and rivers have long inspired aficionados of the wild outdoors, and they might just inspire you, too. The tried and true Rogue River is where your exploration of Southern Oregon’s waters begins, springing from the flanks of Crater Lake’s caldera. From the early days of the gold rush through the modern era of the Wild West, this river has been renowned and adored as a wild and gorgeous frontier. Rugged and wild, the Upper Rogue inspires sightseeing as well as kayaking and steelhead fishing. The Lower Rogue is sought-after for whitewater rafting, with would-be permit holders lining up months in advance. Salmon and steelhead fishing are excellent here. The North Umpqua makes its way from the Cascade Range to the sea, inspiring legions of adoring fans. The Umpqua is legendary for steelhead, and great for boating, from kayak to raft to drift boat. Flyfishing rules on the Illinois River where steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon swim wild. While remote, this tributary to the Rogue offers fishing in serene solitude. The Williamson River offers amazing trout fishing on its 100-mile journey into Upper Klamath Lake. Klamath River begins in the desert and flows toward the mountains before reaching the sea. Known for large trout and whitewater, the Klamath is a gem.
ASHLAND
Owner and Guide at Momentum River Expeditions Originally from Vermont but having lived across the Pacific Northwest, Pete arrived in Ashland after attempting to quit river guiding. He was driving from California to accept a job at an architecture firm when he received a call from a river company offering him the Upper Klamath portion to run, and he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Don’t Miss The Ashland Halloween parade for sure. There are not that many places where the adults like to dress up as much as the kids do, and it is awesome!
Favorite Day Trip A rafting trip down the Upper Klamath River. There is not another summer whitewater trip like it; I highly recommend.
Hidden Gem The trail running and hiking here is incredible, and still feels mostly undiscovered. Miles and miles of trails are accessible right from downtown, and not many cities in the country can say that.
PHOTO BOTTOM JAK WONDERLY
For anglers of all skill levels, there exists the perfect lake in Southern Oregon, like Lake of the Woods, Upper Klamath Lake, Diamond Lake, Odell Lake and Crescent Lake. Cast a line from the shore or a boat and kick back until the fish bite.
PETE WALSTROM
36 southernoregon.org
