Northern California Rafting near the Redwoods
Whitewater rafting near the Redwoods in Northern California is available April-September. This area is home to some of the toughest class 4 & 5 rapids in California, on the Burnt Ranch Gorge section of the Trinity River and the Smith River. For beginner rafters and families with children the Lower Klamath and Main Trinity River make a great family vacation and are available for multi-day rafting trips.
See below for the location of some of the closest trips to the Redwoods.
Rafting near Crescent City:
The three forks of the Smith River meander through the Siskiyou Mountains, less than 1 hour north of the Redwood Forest (Orick, CA.) near the Jedediah Smith State Park. Trips on the Smith River are run March-May (depending on rainfall) and rafters can spend 2 up to 5 days on this remote River. All 3 forks of the Smith have class 3 & 4 rapids, some offering class 5 rapids for the adventurous rafter.
Rafting near Willow Creek:
The Trinity River is the largest tributary of the Klamath River, flowing through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The Main Trinity River run provides more than 18 miles of class 2-3 rapids. Great for families, beginners and wilderness lovers; be sure to check our Family Specials. Access to this river is about 2.5 hours south-east from Orick (Redwood National Park) off Hwy 299 past Willow Creek heading towards Redding. The Trinity River season is usually at its best June-September.
The Burnt Ranch Gorge section of the Trinity River is a serious class 5 run for rafters with solid class 4 experience. Rafting trips of 1-2 day navigate 10-18 miles of river. Trips on Burnt Ranch Gorge are very dependant on the release schedule from Lewiston, and it varies greatly depending on the snow pack, but normally are run in June and July. Located 2.5 hrs from Orick.
The Cal Salmon, located 1 hour north of Willow Creek (within 2.5 hrs of the Redwoods), has many class 4 and 5 rapids for experienced rafters and is usually run on a multi-day trip during the spring and early summer.
Rafting near Eureka and Arcata:
The Main Trinity River and Burnt Ranch Gorge (see above) are only 1.5 hours from Eureka, and accommodate beginner or extreme rafters.
The Lower Klamath, known for its warm waters, swimming, fishing and abundant wildlife, has a long rafting season; April-September. The Lower Klamath is great for families and first timers, the class 2-3 rapids are suitable for kids as young as 6. One highlight is the side hike through the rainforest setting of Ukonom Creek up to the twin 20’ waterfall cascading to a swimming hole. We offer 2-3 day trips for a total of 18-28 miles as well as Family Specials. Under 3 hours from the Redwoods and 2.5 from Arcata,
Planning a rafting trip in the Redwoods:
Whitewater rafting trips in the Redwoods can be combined with other many other activities to make a great get away for many occasions. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and other places of interest.You can also access these area information resource pages through the site map.
Consider a Redwoods rafting trip for the following:
• A family adventure with camping and additional activities for kids including hiking, biking, and fun logging history.
• A scenic drive through a giant Redwood or along the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1).
• A picnic on the beach with hiking or whale-watching tour.
• A adventurous weekend getaway for a group.
