Our Trips on the Klamath River - Build your perfect 1-5 day adventure!
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 mighty 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,
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: Lower Salmon River and The Ikes!
6-10 miles (Class III-III+, ages 10+)
Approximate River Adventure: 11:30am-5:00pm
Activities: Two Rivers, Rafting, Kayaking, Swimming, Lunch,
Waterfall Views and Wildlife Spotting
Shuttle time from camp: one hour each way.
Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast and coffee by the river (7:30-9am) before embarking on the ultimate rafting adventure! After a beautiful one-hour drive from base camp, launch on the shores of the Salmon River and ride the tail end of the Marble Mountain snow melt through spectacular river canyon and enjoyable class II-III rapids. Float with the pristine Salmon River and into the mighty Klamath where the converging rivers proceed to drop through the best white water in the entire Lower Klamath Basin! "The Ikes", an exciting series of big class III-III+ rapids, was named after a native Karuk chief. After getting thoroughly soaked in the huge waves of The Ikes, we'll stop for lunch at a beautiful beach as we enjoy a relaxing float through waterfall canyon (named for stunning cascades dropping into the river). The final section is a mellow float to the finish filled with amazing wildlife opportunities as we regularly see bald eagles, osprey, and sometimes even otters and bears! Drive back to camp for evening relaxation, feast and festivities.
(*Note: in years with below average winter snow/rainfall, the Salmon River option may not be available, especially later in the summer. No worries, we'll just launch at the mouth of the Salmon River, charge the big Ikes rapids, and have the option to visit a delightful Salmon River swimming hole in the afternoon.)
Day 4: 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 creek 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 in the afternoon. This stretch is also a great alternative day 3 for groups with younger children who want to avoid the biggest rapids or the longer drive to the Ikes.
