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ADVENTURE

DINING ALONG

THE ROGUE

RIVER

After all that hiking, rafting
and taking in the scenery you will
need a bite to eat

by liza b. zimmerman

he Rogue River is one of the country’s most historic and
action-packed bodies of water. Its banks have been inhab-
ited for thousands of years. Gold was found in the region in
T1851, which triggered an onslaught of miners and settlers.
Sadly, the river’s rakish name comes from the newcomers giving the
Native American population the moniker “Rogue,” according to the
OregonHistoryProject site, and subsequently forcing them to be reset-
tled in reservations.

On a lighter note, this area has long been a playground for Hollywood
stars like Clark Gable and John Wayne. It was one of the eight rivers
designated under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Act. It’s more than 200-
mile length stretches from pristine Crater Lake National Park to the
Pacific Ocean.

It is known for miles of hiking trails, fishing, rafting, and jet boats and
is covered with wildflowers in the spring. Perhaps, more importantly,
it is also home to a number of great local restaurants with stunning
views. Most focus on simple locally-sourced ingredients, and some
offer lodging—as well as dining—to those rafting or just taking in the
river views. The area is also home to a number of wineries and even
has a high tea venue.

A TOUGH YEAR
The past year was a rough one for the restaurants and hotels of the
region. Due to the pandemic, many were shuttered for much of the
year and also experienced months where they could only serve food
outdoors. The terrible fires that raged in the region last fall also added
insult to injury.

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