Our Story
The Pacific Northwest’s #1 River Excursion!
Visitors from all over the world come year after year to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest with a Hellgate Jetboat Excursion. Established in 1959, Hellgate has run excursions down the wild and scenic Rogue River through the Historic Hellgate Canyon. Each fully narrated excursion is a memory in the making as guests take in the sights and sounds of native wildlife as they glide inches above the river.
OUR FAMILY
We are a family run business. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions is a second-generation family business that has proudly offered over a million visitors a journey through history and memories that last a lifetime. We love our community and what this beautiful region has to offer so we take pride in presenting a unique experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. As owners, our goal is to provide a memorable experience for families and friends to enjoy and we are proud to say that we have families return year after.
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1959, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions was one of the first ever jetboat companies in the United States. Robert Hamlyn originally started operating jet boats in 1986 with Rogue Jetboat Excursions; which is now owned in conjunction with, and is more widely known as Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions currently operates as the Pacific Northwest’s #1 River Trip! For 60 years Hellgate Jetboat Excursions has earned a reputation of safety, professionalism and customer service, which is centric to its values. Mr. Hamlyn’s passion to share the beauty of the Rogue River has provided over a million people the opportunity to visit and enjoy this special area. The jetboats also provide a safe and comfortable ride for people who normally could not enjoy this natural resource and wildlife due to physical or other limitations. Guests ride in the custom Hellgate Jetboats, built by Katanacraft. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views and a unique river experience that showcases the natural beauty of Southern Oregon. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions prides itself on its commitment to the environment by not only operating responsibly, but actively working to enhance the scenic beauty through river cleanups, and protect the environment by continually setting new industry standards. As a second-generation family business, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions proudly continue the legacy of being the safe and fun way to enjoy the Rogue River for families from all over the world, and create memories that last a lifetime.
You can also visit our sister company, Willamette Jetboat Excursions, which was launched as the first company offering jetboat tours on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.
