Cal-Salmon & Scott Rivers Rafting Trips Oregon

When paddling enthusiasts in the U.S. name the nation's best Class V River runs, the list always includes the Upper Gauley in West Virginia, Cherry Creek in Central California, the Animas in Colorado and the California-Salmon in far northern California. If you have rafted before and want to step up to the top level in whitewater thrills, this heart-pounding classic is for you.

Called the "Cal-Salmon" to distinguish it from the Salmon River in Idaho, this Wild and Scenic River rises in the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area, one of the most isolated regions in the state. Located at the base of the Sawtooth, the only glacier in California's coastal range, the Cal-Salmon is a thrilling Class V whitewater rafting run for experts only!

The Salmon drains a rugged area of great solitude, the home for 60's era communes, moon shiners, prospectors, and Karok Indians. The sparkling green waters flow quickly past thick verdant forests as it descends into the deep granite canyon. Here, the water is forced into seemingly endless Class IV and V rapids, including the aptly named Achilles Heel, Whirling Dervish, Freight Train, Last Chance and Gaping Maw. As the Salmon empties into the Lower Klamath, paddlers can also encounter the legendary Ikes, a series of Class IV+ rapids perfectly suited to end a great day.

The Scott is not as well known as the Cal-Salmon, but is every bit as thrilling and challenging. In fact, the Scott Canyon Run is 18 miles of almost continuous expert-only rapids that are often a bit trickier than its more popular cousin. Be prepared for technical maneuvers, such as quick cross-river moves in front of steep boulder-choked drops and power accelerations catapulting over river-wide hydraulic reversals.

Another Wild & Scenic river, the Scott drains from both the Salmon-Trinity Alps and the Marble Mountain Wilderness. The icy snowmelt rushes past the site where John Scott discovered gold in 1850. The scenery - when you can tear your eyes away from the rapids - is pristine and magnificent! Rugged carved granite, lush vegetation, the deep woods of the Klamath National Forest and breathtaking waterfalls combine with the Class IV and Class V rapids to create an unforgettable river adventure.

As both the Scott and Salmon are in deep gorges not easily conducive to camping, we use Forest Service campgrounds to establish a base camp. We will all appreciate returning to a dry camp with warm clothes, roaring fire, and hot food. (Camping gear can be provided if needed.)

We then use USFS river access points to choose which sections are suitable for rafting. As these rivers are susceptible to great variances in flow, we carefully choose our day's rafting to ensure a healthy balance of safety and adrenalin. (We reserve the right to substitute different sections or even different rivers if safety concerns so dictate.)

These spring trips rely on snowmelt from the high mountains and glaciers. Expect cool weather and cold water. We provide wetsuits, fleeces, splash jackets, booties, and helmets.

Scott or Salmon
Days: 2 (2 nights)
Cost: $399.00
IKs: NO
Season: early spring
Age: Minimum of 18 years of age
Experience: You must be physically fit and an experienced paddler. You will be asked to participate in a Class V warm-up and swim test.

Scott/Salmon Combo
Days: 2 (2 nights)
Cost: $419.00
IKs: NO
Season: early spring
Age: Minimum of 18 years of age
Experience: You must be physically fit and an experienced paddler. You will be asked to participate in a Class V warm-up and swim test.

Each spring, RKRA offers The Powerball: One day each of early season rafting on the Upper Klamath (Double Barrel Class IV+/V), the Scott (V), and the Cal-Salmon (V)! Three straight days of the best whitewater in the region!! Expect raging rivers swollen with snowmelt, sore muscles, and big goofy grins.

Powerball (Upper Klamath+Scott+Salmon) Class V
Days: 3 (2 nights)
Cost: $499.00
IKs: NO
2007: May 25-27 (other dates are available upon request)
Age: Minimum of 18 years of age
Experience: You must be physically fit and an experienced paddler. You will be asked to participate in a Class V warm-up and swim test.

Please Note: The federal permitting agencies requires a 5% use fee on federally regulated rivers which applies to all trips.

1-800-231-0769 or Email Us:

Please Note: All Rogue Klamath River Adventures trips are conducted with the permission, approvals, required permits and licenses, and within the established guidelines of: the Oregon Marine Board; The United States Department of Interior; The Bureau of Land Management - Medford and Vale District Offices, and the Klamath Falls Resource Area; the U.S. Forest Service - Rogue and Klamath National Forests.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY RECREATION SERVICE PROVIDER
ALL TRIPS OPERATED ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS