Spring
Climate Run Rogue River
Spend three days running along Oregon’s wild and scenic river
About the run
A once-in-a-lifetime charitable running tour that follows the course of Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rogue River, one of the great wilderness rivers
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Near Grants Pass, Oregon
The trail is 42 miles of single-track that is only accessed from the start and finish, or by the river. You’ll be supported by our expert running and raft guides along this truly magical route. Get ready to experience the outdoors in a way that will deepen your passion for our wild planet. This event is great for runners and strong hikers!
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
This once-in-a-lifetime run follows the course of Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rogue River and you are supported by raft. Climate Ride trips on the Rogue River are supported by Momentum River Expeditions, a licensed and legal permit holder of the US Forest Service and BLM. The Rogue River is an iconic American classic; one of the world’s great wilderness rivers, a founding member of the National Wild and Scenic River System, and a river with such a grand reputation that in some circles it is simply known as “The Canyon”. The trail is 42 miles of wilderness single-track that is only accessed from the start, the finish, or by river. You’ll be fully supported by our running and river guides. This event is geared for runners of all speeds, from the front to the back of the pack, who can comfortably run 12 to 15 miles per day.
It is a stunning wilderness playground that is home to a staggering amount of wildlife and abundant whitewater. There are narrow canyons of polished rock, cool grotto’s draped in ferns, heavily forested hillsides, big sandy beaches, some of the best swimming holes anywhere, cascading waterfalls, and hikes up tumbling side streams. It is common to see bald eagles, osprey, otter, and black bear. The Rogue is one of the world’s classic wilderness areas. It is a place to recharge, relax and live simply.
From the first moment when we enter the Rogue River wilderness area, you will see that Climate Run is an inspiring journey with a small group of like-minded runners who are united by their passion for the environment, sustainable transportation, renewable energy, and preserving our planet for generations to come. Climate Ride takes care of all the details, so you can focus on fundraising, training, and then running along carefully planned routes. We don’t expect you to run every single mile of every day. On this trip, the main focus is to enjoy the outdoors and move quickly through beautiful landscapes – fast hiking is okay!
If you have any issues while on this run, our support team is always nearby to assist you, keep you happy and healthy, and make your trek worry-free and memorable. There are several points during the day that you can be picked up by our rafting guides.
All breakfasts, dinners, lunches, snacks, camping equipment, and guiding are included. Participants will carry just a running daypack with snacks, water, and personal items. Our camp staff handles luggage and all meals.
On this event, you can choose from our full list of Beneficiaries and proceeds will be distributed to the Climate Ride grants program based on your Beneficiary selection. You will have access to our superb personal fundraising software and the full support of our team. Participants may select their Beneficiaries from our list of more than 100 extraordinary non-profit organizations.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Run 15 Miles
The trip starts near Grants Pass, Oregon at the Galice Resort, located along the banks of the Rogue River. Here we will help you pack your dry bags and get any last minute “must haves” at the resort. We then head to the river and meet the crew, who will give an orientation talk. After loading our overnight gear into a raft we will head down the trail into the heart of the Rogue River Canyon. For three days we will follow the Rogue as it cuts through the remote and wild Siskiyou Mountain Range. Each afternoon we will arrive at a fully set-up and very comfortable wilderness riverside camp where you can swim and float the river, play beach games, or just relax, have a beverage, and take it all in. Appetizers and dinner will be served under the stars followed by an evening around the campfire.
Day one will be between 14 and 15 miles and will end somewhere around Kelsey Creek. It will include views of the Famous Rainey Falls, Whiskey Creek Cabin, and Horseshoe Bend.
Run 15 Miles
Day two will be between 14 and 15 miles with options to add 4 to 12 more miles (the group can be split depending on what runners are interested in). The day will end around Half Moon Bar. Day 2 is spectacular and includes the amazing Mule Creek Canyon section and views of Blossom Bar rapid.
Run 12 Miles or 16 miles or 22 miles
Day 3 will be around 12 miles with options to add 4 to 10 more (the group can be split depending on what runners are interested in). The day will include Huggins Canyon and some of the best opportunities to see Black Bear. We reach the end of our river trip in the early afternoon and return to Galice Resort.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Getting to the trip start
The event begins between 9-9:30 am at the Galice Resort (11744 Galice Road, Merlin, Oregon 97532).
You can arrive by plane to Medford, Oregon (airport code: MFR) and rent a car or schedule a shuttle with the Galice Resort. You can overnight before the trip start at the Galice Resort, or get a hotel room in Medford.
The Galice Resort has multiple lodging options for your pre-trip lodging. It is a family run business scenically located right on the Rogue River. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean, friendly, and has an incredible setting.
If we have a large group arriving in Medford and overnighting near the airport, we may be able to schedule a group shuttle early in the morning of the event start.
Portland, Oregon to Galice Resort is a 4-hour drive.
More information will be available in your Run Guide.
After the trip
On Day 3, we will return to the Galice Resort in the afternoon. Please do not plan flights from Medford before 8 pm.
Accommodations and Meals
Our local guides have a passion for food! The food is homemade, diverse, and served with a combination of style and wilderness practicality. Whenever possible we use local and organic produce and free-range meats. We can safely say we serve the best food in the area. Meals start with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Appetizers are served nightly followed by delicious dinners and desserts. Every meal is balanced and there is always a ton to eat. There will be coffee and tea, and water is available at all times. We’ll have coolers if you’d like to bring your own beverages. We can accommodate different diets and food restrictions. During registration, you will be able to indicate if you have specific dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Our guides will provide large tents that sleep two (or larger family-sized tents), sleeping pads and sleeping bags, if needed. The pads are 3″ thick with a pillow area – very comfortable! Many people find it easiest to bring their own sleeping bag and have us supply the pad and tent. Our camps include all kitchen equipment, chairs, firepans, toilet equipment, river library and games, etc.
Will I have cell service?
No.
Being Off the Grid – No Cell Phones, Emails, Laptops, etc:
All of us are becoming more and more connected – email, Facebook, smart phones, tablets, web access anywhere. It is a positive and a negative, a blessing and a curse. One of the joys of our running trip is that it is completely off the grid. No cell phone service, no email, no Facebook. For many this can be a little disconcerting in the beginning (it is a BIG change!), but in the end most will find it amazing and very relaxing.
So before you leave you might want to call, text, email, Facebook, or Twitter your friends, family, pets, and coworkers because you probably will not get to reach them again until it is time to tell the stories of your adventure on your return.
I don’t camp. Is there a hotel option?
Not on this trip! This is camping only. We’ll set up beautiful camps on the river!
What’s life like in camp?
It is a river camping trip. You will not be carrying a heavy pack, just a running daypack with your water, food, rain gear etc. We camp along the river, and our gear is carried in drybags by raft.
Camp Life:
Upon arrival at camp the first afternoon one of the guides will give the group a quick “Camp Orientation”. This will give you an idea of how camp works: the kitchen, water and drinks, tent areas, the bathroom, hand wash, library, games, etc. After that, you’ll have a chance to relax and while the guides prepare appetizers and a big meal. For many people, the relaxed time in camp in the afternoons and mornings is a trip highlight.
How does the bathroom work?
Understandably this is often one of the biggest questions for many first-timers. We use a “port-a-potty” system that is clean, comfortable and very private. It is easy to use and one of our guides will give a humorous, yet sensitive orientation on how it works when we arrive in camp. We always try to place it in the spot with the best view – so when nature calls it is always good to bring your camera. There is also a camp hand wash system that your guides will show you how to use during the camp orientation.
How does bathing work?
This is another common question and concern. Swimming each day greatly reduces the need for bathing but there are other options to stay clean. One option is a quick and very refreshing river bath. Biodegradable soaps and shampoos are needed as all liquids go directly into the river – if you have any questions about this give us a call or an email. Another option is to pack a small package of baby wipes. These work great and are a quick and easy way to feel clean and refreshed. We will also do a “shower evening” where one of the guides will set up a portable shower.
Do I need to be a serious runner to do Climate Run? What if I can’t run/fast hike the full day?
Absolutely not! This is a beautiful and educational tour, not a race. Climate Run is great for a variety of runners or fast hikers. To have the best possible experience, it is important that you train for running. We’ll provide you with training tips and a packing list to make sure you have the right gear for the trail. Have an issue or tired legs? There are several points during the day when you can cut your run short by getting in the raft!
What’s the weather going to be like?
The spring is usually quite warm during the day and cool in the evening. Temperatures typically range from the mid 50’s to the low 80’s. However, rain is not uncommon and it is important to be prepared for cold rainy conditions. Be prepared!
Fundraising Beneficiaries
Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to benefit through the Climate Ride grants program. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
TBA
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!