Lori Franks ~ Brookings, Oregon

SOUTH FORK OF THE CHETCO RIVER

The South Fork Chetco with the main stem of the Wild and Scenic Chetco River, is a little more than a 1/2 hour drive from our coastal town of Brookings, Oregon. You can enjoy summer fun in the crystal clear waters of this outstanding river. Picnicking, sunbathing, swimming, floating and other forms of non-motorized water sports are possible.

This time of year the Chetco River has usually come down in level as shown in this photo. But there is still enough flow to have some fun with inner tubes and kayaks.

And that's exactly what we did this weekend, including camping in a wonderful campground located right on the river. We had to pack out our trash and there was no drinking water available, but we came prepared and it was a wonderful time! I would recommend this campsite if you want to thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, because you have the river and the wilderness all in one spot!

WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE OUR RAFTING TRIPS DOWN THE ROGUE RIVER AN ANNUAL EVENT!

For quite a few summers now we have gathered together with family and friends and rented a couple rafts from Ferron's Fun Trips. Ferron offers an aray of rafts and my favorite is the paddle raft with the frame where just one person paddles! (MY HUSBAND!) I have been there and done that thing where you put 10 people in a raft and you all paddle. That's not too bad, but one time we went and it was just me, my dad, and my husband in the raft and it was truly the trip through Hellgate Canyon! All I can remember is my husband yelling..."paddle harder!"

This was much more fun!! I felt like the Queen of the Rogue!

We always let in at Hog Creek and float down through Hellgate Canyon.....stop in Galice and have an awesome lunch at the Galice Resort and then on down to the Graves Creek Bridge. That is the last spot on the River before you have to have permits to raft any farther. Maybe they named Graves Creek because a lot of people died on the river along this stretch?

If you decide to take on this wonderful adventure the main thing to remember is to:

ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE JACKET!!

Salmon Run Golf Course on the America's Wild Rivers Coast is a 18 hole Championship Course. They are offering a June special of $49.00 for 18 holes or $180 per foursome. Golf cart included!