Grants Pass, Ore. — The drought is taking a toll on businesses across the west, and southern Oregon is no exception.
Low water levels on the Rogue River forced Hellgate Jet Excursions in Grants Pass to finish it’s season, the earliest in the history of the business.
The last rides were Thursday afternoon.
Despite having to close early, managers say it was a fairly good year.
They were concerned that wildfire smoke could have impacted their business like it did last year.
Fortunately it wasn’t much of an issue as much as the drought.
“Every time that date gets pushed back, it does have an impact on us. And the rest of the companies that do work with us such as the hotels, the restaurants, the gas stations and stores, we all feel that impact each time that date it moved up,” said Travis Hemlyn, Hellgate JetExcursionmanager.
Hellgate’s retail store will remain open until next next year.
The next season should kick off on May 1.
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