Lower Klamath River Rafting
(All Family Adventure Dates)
$554 adult / $448 youth
Deposit $125
Additional Costs:
$8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees
Sleep Kit/Tent: $25/$30
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class II | 4 Yrs |
- Legend
- Directions
Enter your starting city
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Lower Klamath River Rafting: Overview
The Lower Klamath River in California gently winds through scenic splendor in the northwest corner of this state near the Oregon border. One of the first rivers in California to be granted National "Wild and Scenic" river status, the Klamath River runs free for 180 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The Klamath is treasured for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife and recreational opportunities. The Lower Klamath section of this California river is a special place, often adored by O.A.R.S.’ littlest guests. The Klamath's water bubbles with bouncy, easy rapids and warm, pleasant swimming holes ideal for young children and families on an adventure vacation in California. The focus of this rafting experience on the Lower Klamath is helping kids gain confidence and interest in the outdoors while the adults kick back and relax. As is true for so many other California rivers, the Lower Klamath region is steeped in history. Gold miners and colorful characters flooded the region in the mid 1800’s and old mining sites line the river in various places. Your kids will get completely absorbed trying to find their fortune with a gold pan and you’ll have fun watching them try.
Lower Klamath River Rafting: Itinerary at a Glance
- Gather at the Klamath River Resort Inn in Happy Camp, CA for a pre-trip meeting and orientation
- After a thorough safety talk, we board the rafts and inflatable kayaks and challenge the first of many friendly Class II rapids
- Watch your kids gain new self-confidence after an adrenaline charged tumble into mountain fresh waters
- Riverside camping and sumptuous meals
- Fish, swim, play, or perhaps a tall tale or two under the evening stars
- Easy hikes, blackberry picking and more warm water perfect for swimming and friendly water fights
- Transfer back to the Klamath River Resort Inn
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Our family wanted to express our thanks and big pats on the back to all our river guides for a super trip on the Lower Klamath. We had a ball! Everyone was warm and friendly, making sure all of the families' needs were met. It was the small things (fresh brewed coffee and yogurts ready at 7:00 a.m. for the early risers) and the big things (handling food allergies and discussing safety all the time) that made the trip work. We loved the scenery and having the choice between rafts and inflatable kayaks. The food was plentiful and appealed to all ages. YUM! We learned about the ospreys, the river and so much more. You exceeded our expectations. We will definitely recommend OARS to our friends and family. If you saw the New York Times article, we did not know we were part of a growing trend: outdoor vacations with kids! ”
Robyn Wild ~ Briarcliff Manor, NY
“ I cannot praise the guides enough! They were absolutely amazing! They were so attentive, supportive and downright funny when it came to my children. (And they made sure Mom had a great time, too!) They really went out of their way to teach my sons how to paddle and navigate the river, and learn safety awareness. Because of my complete confidence in them, I was able to truly relax and enjoy myself, too. ”
Melanie Powers ~ Palo Alto, CA
“Traveling with O.A.R.S. on a river trip is such a pleasure. 'Effortless Camping' is how I best describe it! We even got a Yoga lesson on the beach overlooking the Klamath one evening! What a treat!!!!”
Carol Kurtz ~ Carmel Valley, CA
“The scenery is beautiful. The guides were fantastic and professional. The trip was geared toward kids and there were nine kids in our group so my kids had fun meeting new friends.”
David Berens ~ Calabasas, CA
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures |
| Air (daytime) 80° to 90° |
| Water Temperatures |
| 65° F |
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Lower Klamath River Rafting trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Equipment:
- Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, sheet and small pillow – (early and late season trips require a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Camera w/extra media cards and batteries
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick-drying and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with deet)*
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
*During certain months, mosquitoes can be a bothersome problem. Please make sure you bring an adequate supply of insect repellent.
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 1-2 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (No jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandana
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 1 (two piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick-drying
- Shorts: 1-2 pair lightweight, and quick-drying
- Hiking shorts: 1 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 1-2
- River sandals: 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes (such as Teva)
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Optional Items:
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Paddling gloves
- Notebook and pen
- Sketchbook, paperback book
- Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
Download our travel planner here:
Lower Klamath TP.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
