Upper Klamath River Rafting -
Hells Corner Gorge
The Upper Klamath River offers some some of the best summer Class 4 rafting and the only “big water” California whitewater summer run. Its has the longest rapids in the west and it is relatively uncrowded due to its location on the California/Oregon border. A trip to this exciting N. California river is definitely well worth it.
We get an early start on this rafting trip, meeting in Weed or Mt. Shasta by 8:00 am. Its a fairly long shuttle up across the Oregon border to the put-in where we get those consistent all summer flows from the J.C. Boyle Power House. The trip starts out with 5+ miles of Class 3 rapids to warm up on before tackling the big stuff. The gradient changes, and the next 6 miles offers some wild whitewater with the Class 4+ Caldera (200 yards) and Hells Corner (600 yards) being the highlights. The rapids are long and the water big. The Klamath River crosses into California and below the State-line, the canyon opens up and the river mellows, allowing you to try your hand at guiding the rafts or body-surfing. The take out is at mile 17 above Copco Lake.
The area was inhabited by the Indians and some historic remains from old mines and ranches can be visited. The wild life is abundant with blue herons, bald & golden eagles, ospreys, Canada Geese, deer and the caves along route are home to the protected Townsend's Big Eared Bats.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - 1 day trips:
On a 1 day trip, we take lunch on the river before crossing back into California. You will be served refreshments before loading up and heading back to the meeting location. Expect to arrive back at your cars by 6:30 pm.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - 2 day camp trips:
On a 2 day Upper Klamath River rafting trip, on the 1st day we usually raft the 11 miles down to the state line, after stopping for lunch on the way. On the 2nd day, we re-run some of the best Class 4 rapids, so you get 23 action packed miles of whitewater. Great camping is found in this rugged high desert volcanic rock canyon carved by the Upper Klamath River. Overnight clients can try their hand at catching wild trout, swim in the usually warm waters, go for a hike, or just relax discussing the days run after setting up camp. Sip wine and cold beer and sample appetizers while your guides prepare dinner. You awaken next morning to the aroma of coffee brewing and breakfast sizzling, before our ride back upstream to the old Frain Ranch site above the Class 4+ Caldera rapid. We run the 6 mile stretch back down to camp and then continue downstream to our take-out above Copco Lake.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Nearby Recreation:
Other recreation opportunities abound within the Klamath & Shasta National Forests, and near Lake Shasta. Our meeting place is in Weed just north of Mt. Shasta City. Within a short distance there is plentiful camping, accommodations & hot springs. Ashland (65 miles north) also offers excellent accommodations and the opportunity for some culture at its famed Shakespeare Festival.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Summary/Location:
Class: 4+, 11-23 miles, 1-2 days, May-September
Location: Meeting in Weed (CA), shuttle into Oregon, rivers flows back into CA.
Airport pick-up is usually available from Redding (frequent flights with United) or from Weed (private or charter flights). Interstate 5 has been much improved with most sections allowing 65 miles per hour.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Distances/Times for travel:
Yreka ..................... 30 min/29 miles (S) |
Other Class 4 rafting trips to consider:
See intermediate/adventurous or intermediate/difficult California rafting trips.
Upper Klamath rafting - where to meet, where to stay:
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Area Information
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Map and Directions
