From anywhere in the United States you will find that the best hidden secret of whitewater rafting in California is Northern California’s un-dammed “Cal Salmon” River. California rafting on the Cal Salmon River is the ultimate in white water excitement and scenic beauty as the Cal Salmon flows through the Marble Mountains wilderness area in northern California and merges with the Klamath River on its unimpeded journey to the Pacific Ocean. This remote, unpopulated corner of California hosts some of the best white water rafting anywhere in the world.

The crystal clear Cal Salmon River churns into a frothy, stampeding torrent of white foam and breaking waves for nearly 30 miles. An occasional deep clear pool through the deep inner gorge allows a few moments of respite and deep breathing before the next set of runaway fun rapids, such as the famous Airplane turn, Swirling Dervish, Bloomers Falls, Cascade, Last Chance and Freight train!

We camp at a Forest Service group site at the Nordheimer campground on the banks of the Cal Salmon River. From this camp, for 2 days, we run various sections of river and since we will not be taking gear boats down river with us, you may bring along as many camp amenities as you like.

Bio Bio Expeditions is an equal opportunity service provider. In addition, recognition will be given that the permitted operations occur on Klamath National Forest for All advertising.

SCOTT RIVER RAFTING

On day 4 of our rafting trip, we break down camp at the Cal Salmon and load up everything we brought and drive 1 hour to the beautiful Scott River as it flows towards the Klamath. The Scott is very continuous, non-stop slalom course around boulders and boat chewing holes. The eddys are few in the first half and our pulse will not slow down until the end. Mostly class IV rapids (with class V swims should you fall out!) plus a few bonus class V drops such as White House and Schuler’s rapid.

This region of Northern California is renown for its abundant wild life, bears, mountain lion, deer, bald eagles, egrets, red tail hawks, otters and beavers share their habitat with paddling enthusiasts a couple of months out of the year and for the rest, they enjoy their wilderness in peace. Drift down the waves of the Scott River and relax in the fresh air and beauty of one of Northern California’s most stunning river destinations!

Our California Salmon trips are 2-days and 2-nights to 3-days and 3-nights long (most people go for the 3-day option – this river is out-of-the-way and amazing!). All trips begin in the evening of the trips start date (example: on a Friday start date we meet Friday evening and then raft Saturday through Sunday, or Monday), and end in the early afternoon of the last day.

Basic Itinerary

We meet at our comfortable base camp on the river or at the Lodge in the evening of the trip start date, where happy hour will be served and you will have a chance to meet your guides and fellow paddlers. The first day of rafting starts with a big, relaxed breakfast served under the enormous trees of coastal California or in our comfortable lodge. 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 with a big dinner, a campfire, plenty of time to relax, and anticipation for the next day.

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. After catching your breath and congratulating yourself and your fellow paddlers on an amazing day you get ready for dinner and another night in the canyon.

For the third day on the water get ready for one of two rarely run stretches – Rafting the Class V Scott River or kayaking the stunningly beautiful Clear Creek.

A Note on Cal Salmon Itinerary: This area is a stunning river running playground with tons of options. We keep our itinerary somewhat flexible to accommodate water levels, weather, and our guests. Other possibilities may include rafting or inflatable kayaking the south fork of the Salmon, or rafting the “Ikes” section of the Klamath.