The river and Valley of the Rogue in Rogue River
The city of Rogue River takes its name from the river it sits beside. Before 1912 it was called Woodville, after John Woods, who settled east of Evans Creek in 1872. The town was incorporated as Woodville on October 8, 1910, according to the city, and renamed Rogue River on March 12, 1912. (Wikipedia gives 1912 as the incorporation year, so sources differ slightly.)
Valley of the Rogue State Park
Oregon State Parks describes Valley of the Rogue as a state park with three miles of shoreline on the Rogue River. Facts from the state's park profile:
- The park office is at 3792 N River Rd, off Interstate 5.
- The campground is open year-round. The profile lists 92 full-hookup sites (23 pull-through), 58 electrical sites with water, 13 yurts and 2 group tent areas that each hold up to 25 people.
- An easy, self-guided interpretive walking trail of about 1.25 miles follows the river's edge. It connects to the Rogue River Greenway Trail, which the profile says runs 4 miles through the park.
- The park is open for day use year-round. A day-use parking permit is required, and you can buy a one-day permit on site.
- The state acquired the park by purchase from private owners between 1959 and 1969.
Site counts change, and older guides list different numbers. Check the state page and the reservation system for current availability.
The Rogue River Greenway
The Rogue River Greenway project describes a 30-mile chain of parks and public access areas along the river between Central Point and Grants Pass. Its website names the City of Rogue River among the partner cities and says over 85 percent of the greenway would be on public lands. See the project website for current progress.