Though I grew up in Grants Pass, my first Hellgate Jetboat Excursion wasn’t until I was eight years old. Family came from out Of town and we had to show them the sights, and the jetboats are arguably one of the best tourist activities in the area. Of course, whitewater rafting is the ultimate way to experience the Rogue River, but on the jetboats you don’t have to bother with those pesky lifejackets. Even with drought conditions, their sleek fleet of jetboats actually use jets to move them through the water as opposed to propellers, so they only need inches to take a group down the river. The boat pilots offer informational and entertaining banter along the way, and they are often looking for a chance to splash their passengers. They also utilize their signature spin maneuver to make the trip even more of a roller-coaster ride. Their five excursions—brunch, lunch, dinner, whitewater and scenic—obviously include a meal (except for the scenic option), which takes place at the OK Corral or Morrison’s Lodge alongside the river. Take it from me: you will get wet, your hair will get messed up and you will have a blast!