Lower Rogue River Boating Permits Available by Phone

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Medford District Office

Media Contact:

Kyle Sullivan

Galice, Ore. — The Rum Creek Fire has damaged phone and internet service at the Smullin Visitor Center in Rand, causing a change to how permits are issued for boating on the Wild Section of the Rogue River from Grave Creek to Foster Bar.

Cancellation permit spaces are only available by calling the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Office at 541-479-3735. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. Float space openings will be posted on the BLM’s Rogue River website under the calendar for float space openings: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river

Parties with permits must pick up their permit between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Smullin Visitor Center at Rand on the day of their launch. Day of permits utilizing the “no show” walk ins will not be issued at the Smullin Visitor Center for the remainder of the 2022 permit season. Next day permits are not available in person, and must be obtained by calling 541-479-3735. Currently there are no water, restrooms, phone or internet services available at the Smullin Visitor Center.

Boaters are encouraged to launch at Ennis Riffle, Indian Mary County Park or Almeda County Park. Almeda has a $5.00 per day launch/parking fee. The Grave Creek Boat Ramp is not accessible from Galice Road. The Rand and Argo boat ramps are closed due to fire damage and safety concerns.

On Saturday, September 17, the BLM reduced the size of the public land closure area. The revised closure order and map will be posted on BLM.GOV: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. This change allowed the BLM to re-open The Rogue River Trail. However, the Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail (river left) is closed.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.