1-800-346-6277Upper Klamath River Rafting
$487
Additional Costs:
$8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class IV | 14 Yrs (16 during high water) |
- Legend
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Upper Klamath River Rafting: Overview
Created 10 million years ago when the Klamath Mountains cleaved away from the Coast Range, the Klamath River in Northern California is the second largest California river. The Upper Klamath River, sometimes referred to as the “Upper K” includes 30 megasized Class III-IV rapids spread over 24 miles of jagged, volcanic canyon. Unchanged since the days of Lewis and Clark’s nearby Oregon Trail, the Upper Klamath River is ideal for high flying whitewater hobbyists and advanced river runners with beginners enjoying the Lower Klamath river's flows nearby.
Upper Klamath River Rafting: Itinerary at a Glance
- We meet for our Upper Klamath Rafting trip at the Tree House Motor Inn in Mount Shasta after breakfast
- After a shuttle ride, the raging river welcomes her guests just below John Boyle Powerhouse, where a few river miles of Class III whitewater give us time to warm up for the adrenaline-pumping day ahead
- Caldera, a class IV+150-foot long boulder-choked chute of whitewater marks the entrance to the surging volcanic canyon
- More than 30 turbulent rapids such as the thrilling half-mile long Hell’s Corner, Ambush, and Snag Island Falls deliver challenges for nearly seven straight miles of whitewater and keep the heart racing
- The evening offers opportunity to relax in camp, enjoy an expertly prepared meal, recount the day’s events and perhaps enjoy the sites of the abundant bird population in the area
- Day two offers a chance to redeem our paddling skills with a repeat performance of the most exciting six miles of the previous day’s trip before we return to Mount Shasta for the conclusion of our Upper Klamath adventure
- Testimonials
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“I really enjoyed the high safety values that radiated from all the guides. At no time did I feel nervous for the safety of my son or myself. The guides were intelligent and it showed in their behavior. Also, their food preparation was excellent! They also had knowledge about the river and its history which added to the ambiance and the surroundings.”
Laura Christianson ~ Prescott, AZ
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | High | Low |
| August | 80° | 48° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Upper 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)
- Backpack/Daypack for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing for spring & fall trips (750 – 2000 cu. in)
- 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
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-loc bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- 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)*
- Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
- 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: 2-3 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: 2 (two piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick-drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick-drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3-4
- 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
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials for spring & fall:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top & bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whisk broom: small (no long handle). To sweep wet sand off of tent and ground cloth
- Paddling gloves
- Splash jacket and pants
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
- Sketchbook, paperback book
- Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
Download our travel planner here:
Upper_Klamath_River.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
