User:Aj31007

Rafting
Rafting the Illinois River can be a very challenging yet rewarding accomplishment, and is often considered one of the most secluded rafting runs in the Pacific Northwest. The main run is 31.5 miles, from Miami Bar (located 16 miles from Selma, Oregon) to Lower Oak Flat (34 miles east of Gold Beach, Oregon), with 11 Class IV rapids, and one Class V (Green Wall).

Because there is no dam on the river, water flows vary between 40 cubic feet per second (CFS) in the summer, and peaking at over 45,000 CFS in the winter. The amount of water is directly related to rain, if it rains too much the river can peak to unsafe levels in just a few hours. In late spring to early summer the river can drop to below runnable levels in just a few days without rain. Due to the inconsistent flow, the rafting season runs mainly from December to May. It is best to run the river between 700 and around 3,000 CFS, anything below 700 and there are too many exposed rocks, and anything above 3,000 can be unsafe, often creating a portage around the only Class V rapid on the run (Green Wall).

Trips on the river are often made difficult due to high water, low water, and weather considerations.

A river permit is required when rafting the Illinois River and can be picked up free of charge at the Selma Market in Selma, Oregon. There is a self-registration booth in front of the market that is open 24 hours a day.