Before tackling this well-loved rapids on the Rogue River, rafters pull ashore, clamber high on the rocky right bank, and survey the situation.
Guides point out tricks and treacheries of the route, warning novices of unseen peril.
With the right mix of strategy and luck, rafts stay upright through the gnarliest whitewater on the wild and scenic section of Oregon's famous river. On a nice run, the raft slides down the twisted left channel, careens over a four foot fall, blasts into the cauldron with a splash, swings left across the Submarine Killer rock, zips around Volkswagen Rock, and bounces out into a long run of three foot waves. Everyone's wet and grinning with triumphant joy. Dozens of professional rafting outfitters begin trips at Galice, and the resort also rents rafts to individuals. After cramming personal gear into the allotted waterproof rubber bags, people gather on the bank for a safety and wilderness-ethics lecture from a professional guide.