Neil Nikirk is the owner of Go Light Outdoors. He lives in Joshua Tree, California, and often makes an annual pilgrimage to Southern Oregon to run the Rogue and Illinois (tributary to the Rogue). Go Light Outdoors sells rafts, frames, and other river running equipment.

The Interview

How are you connected to the Rogue River?

I’m a recreational boater and seller of boats, frames, oars, and boating accessories.

How long have been floating the Rogue?

On the Rogue off and on since the early 1980s.

What are your favorite aspects of the Rogue?

Multi-day adventure, the beauty, the wildlife, and just being on the river.

What’s your favorite spot on the Rogue?

I really like the upper end from Graves Creek to Mule Creek Canyon.

What role has the Rogue played in your life?

It was one of the first multi-day trips I did and I still love overnighters and long expeditions.

What is the personality of the Rogue River?

Mellow, fun, and safe. I once got to run the Rogue at over 20,000 cfs and it is a whole different river then. Big, bouncy, and exhilarating.

Anything else you would like to add?

Almost all of my boating friends describe the Rogue as their favorite river.