11 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer

Rogue River

Rogue River County Parks
Hot days were made for lazy afternoons along the river. Pack a picnic and your sunscreen and head to one of the many riverside county parks.

Spread out along the beachy shores of the Rogue River without having to stray too far from town at Whitehorse Park, Robertson Bridge, and Griffin Park. Find bathrooms, trash service, and boat launches at county parks, with some even offering camping. County Parks charge $5 per car or for those planning on spending several days on the water, purchase an annual pass for $30 here. For a free riverside swimming hole, plan a day at Matson Park, or as locals call it, Finley Bend.

Rafting and Kayaking
For epic memories that’ll last a lifetime, plan a multi-day Wild Rogue Lodge Trip through the wilderness, where you traverse dozens of rapids and explore hidden waterfalls and canyons.

While you journey through Class Ill and IV rapids during the day, the lodges provide nights of comfort in a beautiful and rustic setting complete with family-style meals, private baths, and heated rooms. For those who want something a little more rustic, book a guided trip with catered meals and camp along the river’s shore. Don’t want to commit to a multi-day excursion? Don’t want to commit to a multi-day excursion? No problem. Rent some kayaks or book a guided kayaking trip on the Rogue with one of the numerous boat rental companies. For a mellow river experience, take the kid-friendly daytrip through the Hellgate Canyon section, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to swim, rock jump, and picnic along the shore.

Hellgate Jet Boats
If you’re looking for a fun experience for the whole family, take a thrilling tour with Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions,

Guests can enjoy beautiful views, historical commentary, and abundant wildlife as you journey through rugged Hellgate Canyon. During the trip, enjoy a meal at their lodge before being boated back to Grants Pass. The company offers several packages, from brunch tours to sunset excursions. While this trip is mostly dry, prepare to be splashed when the boat drivers sneak in some spins.

Applegate River

Applegate Lake
Pack a picnic, grab your swimsuits, and head to Applegate Lake for a day on the water. Located about 40 miles from Grants Pass, this scenic reservoir offers visitors the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer months.

Plan a day of boating, fishing, swimming, or hiking along the shoreline. Don’t have your own boat?- no problem! Rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Hart Tish Park General Store. If one afternoon of fun isn’t enough, you’re in luck. There are several campgrounds in the immediate area that offer amenities. Due to heavy winter snow, the lake is fuller than it has been in years, but that also means visitors should be extra watchful for logs and other debris.

Middle Fork
Located near Applegate Lake, the Middle Fork of the Applegate River is a lush oasis of sparkling swimming holes hidden beneath a canopy of old growth trees.

Here you’ll find waterfalls, crystal clear pools, rushing creeks, and mossy canyons. While exploring the Middle Fork, plan a day of hiking then find a creekside dispersed campsite for the night.

Parks
Like the Rogue River, the Applegate River offers plenty of county parks to get your toes wet.

Unlike the Rogue River, you’ll find that the Applegate’s current is more accommodating to swimmers. Find great swimming holes at Cantrall Buckley County Park, McKee Bridge, Fish Hatchery Park, and Provolt Recreation Site.

Illinois River

The Wild & Scenic Illinois River is an outdoor lover’s playground and one of the West’s most unique treasures. It’s famous for its emerald water, stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and rare botany. Unlike the Rogue and Applegate Rivers, the free-flowing “Illy” is untouched by dams and the salmon and steelhead are truly wild, without genetic tampering from hatcheries.

Swimming Holes
From the small community of Selma, follow Illinois River Road to one of the many swimming holes along the shore.

Although this narrow winding road is not for the faint of heart, you’ll find plenty of turnouts and can access it with 2WD. The first major swimming hole along this stretch is Six Mile, where you’ll discover covered picnic shelters and vault toilets before the short trail that leads down to the river. This access is popular with families so get there early to secure a prime spot. Store Gulch also offers vault toilets, but requires a longer trek to reach the water. While there, take advantage of their jumping rocks and check out the campground! For something a little more tucked away, head to Diver’s Hole, a deep jewel-toned swimming hole that usually eludes the big crowds.

Illinois River Forks State Park
Located off of Hwy-199 outside of Cave Junction, “The Forks” is a 288-acre day-use park situated along the confluence of the east and west forks of the Illinois River.

A popular place for locals to cool off, the park offers a life jacket loaner station for families wanting to swim, along with picnic tables, disc golf course, restrooms, and walking trails.

Lake Selmac Resort
Lake Selmac is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place.

Between sailing, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and disc golfing, you’ll find a boatload of recreational opportunities. Their stocked lake is great for catching trout, largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, perch, and panfish. For an afternoon on the water, rent a pedal boat, kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, or a boat with trolling motor. For an extended stay, reserve a spot at their campground which offers RV spots, cabins, teepees, tent camping, and endless amenities.

In Town

Caveman Pool (Opens June 12th)
Prefer cooling off somewhere a little less rustic? Visit Caveman Pool next to the Grants Pass High School.
Operated by the YMCA, this community pool offers lessons, lap swim, pool rentals, and other family-friendly activities throughout the summer. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3 for youth, children under 3 are free with adult admission, and families of 4 are $9. Take a dip 7 days/week.

Spray Park (Opens at the end of June)
Have an afternoon of free family-fun at the Spray Park at Riverside Park.

Opening at the end of June and lasting throughout the summer months, this in-town splash pad is the perfect spot for kids to play and cool off. Depending on age, the water feature offers a smaller spray park for toddlers, while bigger kids can enjoy the larger splash pad. When visiting the park, children under 12 must be supervised at all times by an adult.

Safety

As you plan your summer river trips, it’s important to remember the risk of cold water and fast currents. These factors are not to be underestimated, no matter how hot the air temperature is or how flat the water seems to be. Due to heavy snow this past winter, the Lost Creek Dam and Applegate Dam will continue to be releasing water which creates varying flows. Before you head out on the water, check the flows and water temperatures on the USGS sites here.

Please take the following safety precautions:
• Wear a life jacket.
• Check the river conditions before you go.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t swim or boat alone.
• Be prepared to get out of the water quickly if necessary.
• Always let others know your river plan, including time in and place and expected time out and location.
• Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Many swimming holes lack shade, so make sure to bring a canopy or SPF