Klamath River (May-August)
Its remote location, spectacular wildlife and scenery, and fun class II-III+ rapids make the Klamath an ideal multi-day river adventure for families and groups. The Klamath provides an incredible wilderness experience full of rafting, kayaking, riverside camping and adventure hiking to sacred pools and waterfalls!
Day 1: Happy Camp to Ferry Point Base Camp
- 11 miles (Class II-III/ ages 5+)
- Approximate River Adventure 10:30am-5:30pm
- Activities: Rafting, Kayaking, Swimming, Lunch, Swirly Pool, Clear Creek Swimming Hole, Wildlife Spotting
- Shuttle time from camp: 15 minutes each way
Meet at base camp (Ferry Point) in the morning or arrive the night before and wake up on the shores of the Klamath! Enjoy coffee and breakfast (7:30am-9:00am) while watching the wildlife play along the river. It's a quick 15-minute drive to launch at the put-in (Happy Camp). Then enjoy a scenic 11-mile journey down the beautiful river canyon back to base camp. The morning section includes plenty of action with frequent, fun class II-III rapids including Rattlesnake (III) and Devil's Toenail (III). After stopping for lunch at a beautiful beach, afternoon highlights include floating in the magical Swirly Pool and a swim in the rejuvenating waters of Clear Creek. The final stretch provides a delightful float to camp often filled with bald eagles, osprey, turtles and the occasional family of river otters. Possible evening activities include swimming, fishing, games, or just simply relaxing by the shores of the river before enjoying the nightly feast aside the roaring campfire under the magnificent summer stars.
Day 2: Ferry Point Base Camp to Coon Cook
- 9 miles (Class II-III+, ages 5+)
- Approximate River Adventure 10:30am-5pm
- Activities: Rafting, Kayaking, Swimming, Lunch, Hiking
- Adventure Hike to Ukonom Falls, Wildlife Spotting
- Shuttle time from camp: 10 minutes each way.
Enjoy the morning wonders of the river over coffee and breakfast (7:30am-9:00am) before a quick shuttle to drop cars at the take out (Coon Creek). Launch straight from camp and charge right into the action with Ferry Point Rapid (III), followed by numerous class II-II+ rapids before stopping to scout the most technical and challenging rapid on the Lower Klamath, the mighty Dragon's Tooth (III+). After stopping for lunch and a swim, our knowledgeable and experienced guides lead the group on a breath-taking and adventurous hike 1-mile up the pristine Ukonom Creek canyon. Known for its crystal clear water and stunning waterfalls, Ukonom has long been a sacred place for the native Karuk tribe. After returning from the exhilarating powers of Ukonom, we charge the final big rapid of the day, Ukonom (III), before enjoying a mellow float to the finish often filled with more spectacular animal sightings. Return to camp with time for swimming, fishing, and games with the guides or simply just relax by the shores of the river with a good book before the nightly feast, fire and stars!
Day 3: Sluice Box to Seattle Creek:
- 8 miles (Class II-III/ages 5+)
- Approximate River Adventure 11:00am-3:00pm)
- Activities: Rafting, Kayaking, Swimming, Lunch,
Thompson Creek and Wildlife Spotting
- Shuttle time from camp: 30 minutes each way.
After breakfast and coffee at base camp (7:30-9:00), we drive up river to launch at Sluice Box, aptly named as the location was once a popular gold mining sight during the great California Gold Rush. This fun section of river is perfect for beginner kayakers and includes rapids such as Upper Savage (III), Lower Savage (III), Otter's Playpen (III) and Fort Goff Falls (III). We often see amazing wildlife along the way and our day includes a stop at a beautiful beach for lunch and a swim. This slightly shorter run is a great final day of the trip as it provides the opportunity to hit the road early, or return to base camp for more time to chill by the river and relax.
