Cal Salmon and Scott River Rafting
The California Salmon and Scott Rivers are two of California’s top spring rivers providing Class 4 and 5 rafting thrills. Despite the driving distance to this remote area, “close to nowhere,” many avid river runners gladly make the trek to northwestern California. They don’t come away disappointed. These rafting trips are recommended for experienced rafting clients who are in good physical condition, and very capable swimmers.
There are numerous Class IV and substantial Class V rapids on these runs. On 2 and 3-day trips, the first day is usually a ‘warm-up’ run on the lower section of the Cal. Salmon, with plenty of Class 4 and 4+ action at Butler Creek Ledge, Double Hole and the Gaping Maw. Often this run is extended to include the Ikes on the Klamath River, which can be huge during spring run-off. Big Ike is likened to Crystal rapid in the Grand Canyon and can be a powerful Class 5 rapid at flows above 12,000 c.f.’s. The more difficult run on the Cal. Salmon starts soon after the put-in at Nordheimer with four class 4 and 4+ drops in less than 2 miles. After a brief break, you then have to negotiate the tough passages of Cascade, Achilles Heel, Whirling Dervish, Last Chance and Freight Train.
The Scott River can be run as a 3rd day in combination with the Cal. Salmon, or for suitably qualified paddlers as a 2 day Class 5 trip with the upper section of the Cal. Salmon. As the Scott River is located on the drier east slopes of the Salmon-Trinity Alps, it has a shorter season than the neighboring Cal. Salmon. This trip involves a drive between the two rivers of approx. 1 ¼ hrs to tackle the Scott on the 2nd day, ending up near Scott Bar on Hwy 96. Rapids are almost continuous, with sharp, boulder-choked drops and include Boulder Creek Falls, Canyon Creek, White House, Tompkins Creek and Schuler Gulch.
There are plenty of unique rapids on both these rivers, and the superb beauty and grace is accentuated by the rugged carved granite, the deep woods of the Klamath National Forest, and the incredible waterfalls that tumble into the canyons. The magnificent California Salmon and Scott rivers are natural wild and scenic river tributaries of the mighty Klamath River, which tumble swiftly out of the Marble Mountains and the Salmon-Trinity Alps Wilderness areas. Wildlife is plentiful, but easily hidden in this rugged terrain, although geese and eagles are often seen.
Charter transportation may be available from the Sacramento area, or airport pick-up can be arranged from Redding.
Tributary Whitewater Tours operates under permits issued by the Klamath National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.
Location and Distances/Times for Travel to the Cal Salmon: 
Class 4-5, 8-26 mi. (1-3 days), April-early July (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting near Somes Bar, NW. California off Hwy. 96 between Willow Creek & Happy Camp
2 hrs NE. of Eureka (94 miles),
1 hr N. of Willow Creek (45 miles),
3 hrs NW of Redding (146 miles),
3 ¼ hrs SW of Medford (143 miles),
5 ½ hrs N. of Sacramento (307 miles),
6 ½ hrs N. of San Francisco (363 miles)
Other Class 5 California Rafting Trips:
Cal Salmon rafting - where to meet, where to stay:
- Cal Salmon rafting - Map & Directions PDF (location may vary)
- Cal Salmon rafting - Area Information PDF
