Guiding California white water rafting trips for nearly

30 years!

The Lower Klamath

River Rafting

The Lower Klamath River is an ideal multi-day white water rafting trip for families and first timers. With the addition of inflatable kayaks, there can be more than enough excitement for older children or more experienced river runners. On selected dates, kids can raft for ½ price on our Family Specials. There are many fun whitewater rapids such as Kanaka Falls (or Rattlesnake), Devil's Toe Nail, the Trench, Dragon's Tooth, Osprey, and Sasquatch Squeeze, plus large sandy beaches for camping and play. One of the highlights of the trip is the side hike through the rain forest setting of Ukonom Creek. For those who complete the ¾ mile trek, there are twin 20' waterfalls cascading into a large swimming hole.

The Lower Klamath River is also known for the abundant wildlife that can be seen from its shores, its warm water, swimming, and steelhead and salmon fishing. It is the legendary home to Sasquatch, and it's not hard to imagine the "Big Foot" creature hidden in the majestic forests along the river. Among the more visible creatures are heron, osprey, eagles, black bear, deer, beaver, raccoons and the fur-bearing otters, fishers, and minks. The 20 miles of river above Happy Camp includes two Class 3 rapids, but its main charm is the fact that the river leaves the highway for more than 8 miles, and this section is a favorite haunt of the playful river otter.

Our typical 2-4 day trips on the Lower Klamath River:

Trips are run on the 22-38 miles below Happy Camp, but there are many miles both upstream and downstream that allow for five or more days. There are 185 miles of navigable whitewater and is California's third longest river, so one of the few rivers that allows for continuous trips longer than 2 days. Its N. California location provides a great remote and "get-a-way from it all" river trip.

Camping on the Lower Klamath River:

This is usually wilderness style, where we carry all the gear down the river, but car camping options are available, though facilities are primitive. The Karuk Indian tribe inhabits much of the river typically traveled by rafters and kayaker's and the Karuk Traditional ceremonies are conducted at various locations on the sacred banks ("Inaam") of the Klamath River. Out of respect to the tribe, camping and stopping is at times prohibited in these areas.

The Klamath River flows west out of the Cascade Range and for much of its length passes through the Klamath National Forest. It traverses through a series of small mountain ranges (the Siskiyou's, Salmon, Marble Mountains, Scott Bar Mountains and the Trinity Alps), collectively known as the Klamath Mountains. Tributary Whitewater Tours operates under permit from the Klamath National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.

The Lower Klamath River, Distances/Times for travel:

California White Water Rafting - The Lower Klamath River
Lower Klamath River Area Information
Lower Klamath River Map and Directions

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