California Salmon Rafting

4 Days or 5 Days
Spring - Summer
From $1,150

California Salmon Rafting

One of The Most Spectacular Class V River Trips in the Country

The Wild and Scenic California Salmon River, although still somewhat unknown even in its home state of California, is one of the most incredible class V whitewater rafting trips in the country. This is one of the most loved spring trips, and, for many of us, the “Cal Salmon” is our favorite class V river in the U.S. It combines beautiful, lush coastal scenery, an intimate, marble-smooth, granite inner gorge, a seemingly endless number of waterfalls cascading in from above, emerald-green waters, a very comfortable pop-up base camp with hot showers and a wood-fired sauna (think ‘glamping’ or luxury camping), and unequaled class IV-V pool-drop whitewater. This is truly a world-class, high-adventure whitewater run. Our trip combines the Salmon with the Class V Scott River and/or the spectacularly beautiful Clear Creak to become one of the ultimate (and most comfortable) class V adventures in the country.

Remote and internationally recognized for its biodiversity and wild rivers, California’s far northwest corner is hidden about halfway between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon – many miles from any cities. The river is a major tributary of the Klamath, cuts a deep and rugged canyon between the Marble Mountains and the Trinity Alps, and drains moderate-elevation, high-precipitation areas. Included in the drainage is the Sawtooth Glacier, the only glacier in California’s coastal range. The California Salmon River is also dam-free from its source to its confluence with the Klamath. It is a truly ‘out there’ place and every spring small groups of guides, “whitewater junkies”, and adventurous new river runners make the pilgrimage to the Salmon.

The lushness of the canyon is a refreshing change from the drier, more desert-like landscape of many California rivers. Also outstanding is the abundance of wildlife; it is not uncommon to see black bear or the occasional mountain lion, and meeting up with deer and a wide range of birds is almost a given. The combination of stunning scenery and remote location lends itself to creating a feeling of being set down in a different part of the world. You quickly become immersed in the area and the experience.

Each afternoon we will head back to our comfortable and extremely unique riverside ‘pop-up’ base camp set deep in the Salmon River canyon. There are walk-in tents with cots set among the trees, a tented eating and hang out area, hot showers, a sauna, an outdoor bar, and a big fire burning. The late afternoon can be spent hiking, biking, and playing games in the sun. For those who like road and mountain biking (and have the energy after a hard day of paddling) the narrow and remote roads in the area offer beautiful riding. Or, for those looking to unwind, grab a towel and head over to our sauna trailer, rinse off in the shower, and grab a drink at the bar and relax by the campfire. The evening will start with appetizers, a big dinner, and desert, and be followed by a comfortable night under a sky far away from any city lights.

We have built a reputation for innovative and comfortable camping in wilderness places, for creative menus featuring local and organic produce & products, our attention to detail, & our overall hospitality. Our Cal Salmon camp is a unique, comfortable, and fun example of this.

Even if you took away the scenery, the location, and our camp, the whitewater would still make the river more than worthwhile. The rapids are an amazing combination of crashing waves, big holes and boulders, and clean, steep drops over smooth granite. Best of all, there are a ton of them.

The California Salmon’s whitewater lends itself to paddlers of all experience levels. For adventurous beginners and intermediates in good physical condition, the various river stretches allow you to start with a day of class IV before moving on to the class V. For experienced rafters – even those who have boated all over the world – the rapids are more than challenging enough to keep the adrenaline going. Most importantly, they are incredibly fun.

For charter groups we have the option of creating an itinerary that immerses you in the beauty of the Salmon River canyon but that keeps the whitewater class 4 and below. As well as a wilderness lodge-based option. The area is truly a river playground and there are lots of options

So join us for the “pilgrimage” that many of our guests take year after year to the wildlands of the far northwest corner of California. Join us for some of the most classic and incredible advanced whitewater in the world, comfortable nights under huge coastal mountains, time with old and new friends around the campfire, and a chance to get away from wifi, cell phone chatter, and hectic daily schedules.

Please note:
For those doing the class V stretches – Depending on water levels you may be asked to participate in a class-V paddler’s test. These tests are not competitive in any way. They are done to emphasize teamwork, confidence, and to help you judge your ability to tackle this incredible stretch of river. Please call if you have any questions or concerns.

We have two base California Salmon trip options – a 3-days and 3-night trip or a 4-day and 4-night trip that allows for even more time to explore the Salmon River canyon. Trips begin in the early afternoon f the trip’s start date in Ashland, OR (or the early evening for those doing the driving option). Example: on a Friday start date we meet Friday early afternoon in Ashland for the shuttle to camp and then raft Saturday through Sunday or Monday) and end in the afternoon of the last day. The combination of our unique ‘glamping’ style camp, remote and spectacular scenery, and one of the best whitewater rivers in the world makes for an active, comfortable, and one-of-a-kind trip.

3-Day/3-Night Itinerary
Day 1 (early afternoon/evening only):
We will pick you up in the early afternoon in Ashland for the shuttle to the river. The drive is about 3 hours and ends at our comfortable riverside ‘pop-up’ base camp set deep in the Salmon River canyon. Your walk-in tent with cots will be set up among the trees, there is a tented eating and hang-out area, hot showers, a wood-fired sauna, and there will be a big campfire burning. Happy hour and dinner will be served and you will have a chance to meet your guides and fellow paddlers.
Note: For those doing the driving option you will meet at our base camp in the early evening.

Day 2:
The first day of rafting starts with a big, relaxed breakfast served under the enormous trees of coastal California. After food and plenty of time for that second (or third) cup of coffee or tea, we all gather together for some paddling instruction. Afterwards, we’re ready to tackle the lower section of river, which is filled with big, fun class III, IV, and IV+ rapids, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green side streams. The day will end back out our base camp with a big dinner, the sauna, a campfire, plenty of time to relax, and anticipation for the next day.

Day 3:
The second day of rafting is a big day: get ready for some of the most incredible whitewater anywhere on the class-V Nordheimer section. For many guides this stretch’s combination of big-water rapids and beauty is unmatched. After catching your breath and congratulating yourself and your fellow paddlers on an amazing day we get ready for dinner and another night in the canyon.

Day 4:
For the third day on the water get ready for one of two rarely run stretches – Rafting the technical class V whitewater of the Scott River or kayaking in stunningly beautiful Clear Creek. The Scott River is a sister to the California Salmon and shares many of its attributes. It is an incredible and seldom run river with technical and continuous class IV and V rapids. A true high adventure trip set in a beautiful canyon with tons of wildlife. Clear Creek is like no other stretch of river in the country – it is very narrow with high canyon walls and the water is as clear and clean as its name implies. It is truly a place you have to see to believe. We will choose the stretch with the most ideal water level.

4-Day/4-Night Itinerary
For those who have the time, the 4-day / 4-night itinerary allows people to completely settle and get a huge taste of what this remote whitewater playground has to offer.

Day 1 (evening only):
We will pick you up in the early afternoon in Ashland for the shuttle to the river. The drive is about 3 hours and ends at our comfortable riverside ‘pop-up’ base camp set deep in the Salmon River canyon. Your walk-in tent with cots will be set up among the trees, there is a tented eating and hang-out area, hot showers, a wood-fired sauna, and there will be a big campfire burning. Happy hour and dinner will be served and you will have a chance to meet your guides and fellow paddlers.
Note: For those doing the driving option you will meet at our base camp in the early evening.

Day 2:
The first day of rafting starts with a big, relaxed breakfast served under the enormous trees of coastal California. After food and plenty of time for that second (or third) cup of coffee or tea, we all gather together for some paddling instruction. Afterwards, we head for the rarely run Upper North Fork of the Salmon or the South Fork of the Salmon. Both stretches are very off the beaten path and have solid class III/IV whitewater. The day will end back out our base camp with a big dinner, the sauna, a campfire, plenty of time to relax, and anticipation for the next day.

Day 3:
On the secod day on the river we tackle the famous lower section of Salmon known as the ‘Butler Stretch’. It is is filled with big, fun class III, IV, and IV+ rapids, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green side streams. It has some of the most continuous whitewater and it might be the most beautiful stretch of river (which says a lot in this place).

Day 4:
The third day of rafting is a big day: get ready for some of the most incredible whitewater anywhere on the class-V Nordheimer section. For many guides this stretch’s combination of big-water rapids and beauty is unmatched. After catching your breath and congratulating yourself and your fellow paddlers on an amazing day we get ready for dinner and another night in the canyon.

Day 5:
For the fourth day on the water get ready for one of two rarely run stretches – Rafting the technical class V whitewater of the Scott River or kayaking in stunningly beautiful Clear Creek. The Scott River is a sister to the California Salmon and shares many of its attributes. It is an incredible and seldom run river with technical and continuous class IV and V rapids. A true high adventure trip set in a beautiful canyon with tons of wildlife. Clear Creek is like no other stretch of river in the country – it is very narrow with high canyon walls and the water is as clear and clean as its name implies. It is truly a place you have to see to believe. We will choose the stretch with the most ideal water level.

Departure Dates:

We have 2 different trips to offer: 4Days/3Nights and 5Days/4Nights.  Below are the dates offered for each trip:

3 Days/3 Nights (4-day)

May 3-6, 2024
May 10-13, 2024
May 17-20, 2024
May 24-27, 2024
May 31-June 3, 2024

4 Days/4 Nights (5-day)

May 6-10, 2024
May 13-17, 2024
May 20-24, 2024

Trip Length: 4 Days or 5 Days
Trip Price:

3-Day/3-Night Trips (4-day): $1250
(This price includes transportation to and from Ashland, OR)
Driving Option: $1150
(Meet in at our camp near Somes Bar, CA)

4-Day/4-Night Trips (5-day): $1490
(This price includes transportation to and from Ashland, OR)
Driving Option: $1390
(Meet in at our camp near Somes Bar, CA)

Trips Include:
• All river equipment.
• Deluxe camping at our river-side safari style ‘pop-up’ base camp including camp walk-in tents, hot showers, a wood-fired sauna, and covered eating area.
• Gourmet 3 course meals featuring local and organic produce & products.
• World-Class guides with a minimum 5 years experience leading trips around the globe.
• A chance to join us on our signature spring run – one of the ultimate Class V adventures in the country.

Please note:
Trips begin the early afternoon/evening of the first day | Custom dates available – Give us a call!
– 10% off for groups of 10+ people
– Additional Costs: 3% government use fee

Deposit: $1,000

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