The Illinois River

The Illinois offers a far more challenging adventure than its sister river, the Rogue. While the Rogue is dam-controlled, the Illinois flows free and water levels can fluctuate greatly and rapidly, depending on upstream weather and runoff. Dozens of creeks join the river and provide waterfalls on either side as the Illinois snakes through the Coast Range of southwestern Oregon. Boaters must be skilled to handle the famous Green Wall, scene of more than a few calamities and emergency rescues.

Put-In: Miami Bar River Access

Take-Out: Oak Flat

Miles: 32

Managing Agency: USFS Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest

Campsites: Illinois River Campsites

Links:

  • Public Lands Information Center for the Illinois River
  • Looking across brilliant green water at the top of a rapid on the Illinois River
    Looking across the Little Green Wall rapid full of whitewater, running against a cliff on the far side of the river
    Kayaks disappearing in the distance on the Illinois River
  • Looking down to the Illinois River
    Illinois River Scenery
    Unnamed Rapids
  • Illinois River Scenery
    Illinois River Scenery
    Illinois River Scenery
  • Illinois River Scenery
    Illinois River Scenery
    Illinois River Scenery
  • Green Wall Rapid
    Illinois River Scenery
    Illinois River Scenery
  • The view upstream near Miami Bar
    Illinois River Scenery