Rogue River, Day 3: Missouri Bar to Tacoma Rapids

Day 3 on Friday, August 13 was perhaps the most interesting day of our journey, primarily for two reasons: Rogue River Ranch and Mule Creek Canyon, but also for the delightful wine tasting event and games led by our multi-talented guides.

The Rogue River Ranch (below) is a pioneer farm complex, though it appears likely that a permanent Native American village existed at the site. Nestled in the heart of the wild section of the river at its junction with Mule Creek, the ranch evolved as a gold-mining community, with as many as 100 resident trying to scratch a living from the river. The Rogue River Ranch is -- in a word -- remote.

One of the most unusual stretches of river came after our stop at Rogue River Ranch when we entered Mule Creek Canyon. Seemingly otherworldly, the canyon has vertical rock walls that create strange currents and boils.Without much room to maneuver, skill is necessary to avoid slamming into the walls. Mule Creek Canyon included a number of rapids including "Jaws" and "Coffee Pot." Stair Creek Falls (right) cascades into an alcove along the left bank. Check out the singularly unique ride through Mule Creek Canyon.

Next up is Blossom Bar, which has a storied history. Early settlers in the area named it for the lush azaleas that decorate the canyon. Located at the mouth of two steep drainages with an abundance of boulders that clog the river, Blossom Bar (Class IV) is the most difficult whitewater in the Wild and Scenic corridor.

Even though we had a boat scouting out campsites that day, we got "squinked" (in river parlance, "squinked" means getting aced out of your intended campsite by other boaters) and had to settle for a campsite known as "Last Chance" below Tacoma Rapids.

That evening -- being our last night on the river and all -- the guides conducted an interactive wine tasting activity.It's always amazing how -- with a bit of wine and good spirits -- folks can, ahem, let their hair down (left).

After another delicious dinner, the guides -- including our fearless river captain Beau (above, explaining the rules to the players) -- led this eclectic group in a number of parlor games, just for the fun of it.