The Rogue River, stretching through Southern Oregon, is one of the state’s most scenic and ecologically diverse waterways. From its forested upper reaches to the rugged lower canyons, the Rogue supports a unique variety of wildlife that can be observed year-round. This article explores the habitats along the Rogue River and highlights key species, from iconic salmon to majestic bald eagles, that make the river a natural haven for wildlife enthusiasts and locals alike. The Rogue River’s Ecosystems: A Mosaic of Habitats The Rogue River flows over 200 miles from its headwaters near Crater Lake through diverse landscapes—forested mountain ranges,…
Southern Oregon’s Dax Messett Joins Oregon State Marine Board to Champion Boating Community Interests
The Oregon State Marine Board recently welcomed Dax Messett, who now represents the boating community in southern Oregon, succeeding longtime member Val Early. The Governor and Senate confirmed Messett, a Medford resident, in September and began his term on October 1. His experience spans 25 years in the outdoor industry, with roles as a registered guide, outfitter, and outdoor industry professional. He is also an experienced recreational boater with extensive knowledge of waterways worldwide. Messett’s background includes guiding, international travel coordination, and work as a writer and photographer. His approach to the Marine Board focuses on promoting educational initiatives, raising…
The Allure of the Rogue River for Filmmakers
The Rogue River, winding through Southern Oregon’s rugged terrain, is one of the state’s natural wonders—a landscape of fast-moving rapids, dense forests, and steep cliffs. Its stunning scenery and challenging waters have made it an ideal filming location, drawing filmmakers who seek authentic, dramatic settings that capture nature’s intensity and tranquility. For decades, this river has served as both a character and a backdrop, lending its untamed beauty to thrillers, Westerns, dramas, and even comedies. Movies filmed on the Rogue do more than just showcase the river; they transport viewers into the heart of Oregon’s wild—a place that embodies mystery,…
Oregon State Marine Board Takes Major Step Toward Jet Boat Regulations on the Upper Rogue River
The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) is moving toward significant new regulations for jet boat operations on the Upper Rogue River, a beloved haven for wildlife, anglers, and residents. The final decision on these potential changes is scheduled for January 2025. The regulations would address the longstanding debate on balancing conservation with recreational use on this ecologically sensitive river if adopted. The Push for Jet Boat Regulation: A Long-Standing Effort Over recent decades, conservationists and residents have intensified their concerns over jet boat activities. Initially cherished as a refuge for species like salmon and steelhead, the Upper Rogue River has…
The Tale of Old Elijah “Whiskey” Tate and the Rogue River Stash
Whiskey Tate and the Rogue River: Legend of the Untamed Frontier In the late 19th century, Oregon’s Rogue River Valley was a region defined by extremes—a place of breathtaking beauty and stark danger, of fortunes made and lives lost. It was here, amid the thick forests, icy rivers, and remote hills, that Elijah “Whiskey” Tate carved his place in history. Known as much for his wild spirit as for his knack for dodging the law, Tate’s name became synonymous with a legendary treasure that continues to inspire and haunt adventurers to this day. The Man Behind the Legend: Elijah “Whiskey”…
The Ghosts of Dead Man’s Rapids
The Rogue River is known for its breathtaking beauty and challenging rapids, but few stretches are as feared as Dead Man’s Rapids. This notoriously dangerous section of the river has claimed lives for as long as locals can remember, and stories of ghostly apparitions have turned it into one of the region’s most spine-tingling locations. The rapids, named for their treacherous currents, are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished in its waters, lingering at the river’s edge or appearing in the mists above the waves. The Legend Begins The legend of Dead Man’s Rapids is…
The Bigfoot Encounter of Whiskey Creek
Whiskey Creek, an isolated tributary of the Rogue River, has long been a place of quiet mystery. With dense forests and rugged terrain, it’s one of the few stretches where nature remains largely untouched. But in 1972, Whiskey Creek became the center of an unusual story—a Bigfoot sighting that left both locals and visitors wondering what might truly be lurking in the depths of Oregon’s wilderness. The Initial Sightings The first whispers of an unusual presence along Whiskey Creek began in spring of 1972, a season when the forest comes alive with the sounds of rushing water, bird calls, and…
The Water Wraith of the Rogue
The Rogue River, with its powerful currents and hidden depths, has always been a place of both beauty and danger. For centuries, locals have told stories of an eerie figure said to haunt its dark stretches—a spirit known as the Water Wraith of the Rogue. This wraith, an ethereal, ghostly presence, is rumored to dwell in the shadowed pools and undercurrents, waiting for the right moment to pull unsuspecting souls into the river’s embrace. Origins of the Water Wraith The origins of the Water Wraith legend are murky, but local lore traces her story back to Southern Oregon’s early days,…
The Rogue River Lights
The Rogue River Lights The Rogue River, famous for its wild rapids and rugged, unspoiled beauty, holds a wealth of mysteries within its winding banks, yet few are as enigmatic as the Rogue River Lights. These lights, described by witnesses as ghostly orbs that flicker in and out of existence, have been reported along the riverbanks for over a century. Often appearing late at night, they drift along remote stretches far from any trail or campsite, seemingly unaffected by the dense forest and steep terrain that isolates much of the area. The lights are as much a part of the…
The Vanishing Cabin of Whiskey Creek
The Vanishing Cabin of Whiskey Creek Whiskey Creek, a secluded tributary of the Rogue River, has always been a place of mystery and allure. Surrounded by dense forests, jagged rock formations, and hidden trails, it was an ideal setting for 19th-century fortune seekers hoping to find gold. The area’s rich natural beauty drew miners, trappers, and explorers who were lured by the promise of untouched gold deposits and the sense of adventure that the rugged Rogue River Valley offered. However, it’s also the origin of one of Southern Oregon’s most unusual and haunting legends: The Vanishing Cabin of Whiskey Creek—a…