Upper Klamath
River Rafting - Hells Corner Gorge
The Upper Klamath River is one of the best Class 4 whitewater rivers for the summer and the only “big water” summer run, with the longest rapids in the west. It is relatively uncrowded due to its location and definitely well worth the trip. The river warms up with nearly 6 miles of Class 3 rapids 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 (400 yards) being the highlights. The rapids are long and the water big. On a 2 day Upper Klamath rafting trip, we usually re-run some of the best Class 4 rapids, so you get 23 action packed miles.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - All summer flows:
Consistent all summer flows on the Upper Klamath River come from the J.C. Boyle Power House located over the border in Oregon. 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 - Great camping:
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 barbecue chicken or tri-tip steak. 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 at Copco Lake. 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.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Other Recreation Nearby:
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 - Level of Difficulty, Location:
Class: 4+, 11-23 miles, 1-2 days, May-October
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:
Mt. Shasta ..................................... 12 min/7 miles (N)
Redding ............................... 1 hr, 10 min/71 miles (N)
Sacramento ...................... 3 hrs 30 min/240 miles (N)
San Francisco .................. 4 hrs 30 min/286 miles (N)
Reno ............................. 3 hrs 45 min/227 miles (NW)
Yreka ........................................... 30 min/29 miles (S)
Ashland ................................ 1 hr 10 min/65 miles (S)
Medford ................................ 1 hr 20 min/82 miles (S)
|
California White Water Rafting - The Upper Klamath
River
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Area Information
Upper Klamath River Rafting - Map and
Directions
Printer Friendly
Version of this Page  |
