Basics
- River:
- Illinois River
- Class:
- Class IV+ (One Class V/Portage)
- Suitability:
- Raft
- River Length
- 32 miles
- Time:
- 3-4 Days
- Season:
- March to Late May
Description
The Wild & Scenic Illinois River is a world-class float if visitors are lucky enough to catch it at the correct flow. Fed by limited snowmelt and rainfall from the Siskiyou Mountains, the Illinois rambles through a lush and remote canyon with short windows of rafting opportunity when the river is boatable but not swollen.
Levels can surge unexpectedly with even a small rainstorm, raising the river gauges feet during the multiple day trips required to get down this river, this sudden change doubling the difficulty of already technical whitewater.
A trip down the Illinois has an enchanted feel, as the river cuts deep into the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, its aquamarine waters fed by numerous side creeks and cascading waterfalls. Due to the temperamental nature of this river, previous whitewater experience is suggested to raft the Illinois. The Illinois is located within an hours drive from Grants Pass, Oregon and permits to float are unlimited but are required.
