The Rogue River itself is the primary recreational resource. The river is internationally recognized for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  There is such a demand to float the river that BLM has placed limits on boating downriver from Grave Creek and has set up lottery system to award permits. A vibrant commercial boating industry exists on the river as well. Tourism on the Wild & Scenic part of the river contributes more than $13 million annually to the local economy.

Hiking and nature viewing are also extremely popular in this area. The Rogue River National Scenic Trail begins at Grave Creek and continues downriver for 40 miles. The two-mile Rainie Falls Trail on the south side of the river affords easy access for visitors to witness numerous successful and unsuccessful passages of Rainie Falls of both humans and salmon.

Through the incredible stillness the low murmur of the river seemed to have a supernatural significance. That voice could not come only from gliding waters. It was a gentle and singing sound full of mystery, like the pale-gleaming, starlight – reflecting water from whence it came…there was something else out there…Spirit! – Zane Grey