

The California Salmon River is one of the very best class V white water runs in the world. From the put in at Nordheimer camp ground to the infamous Freight Train rapid, paddlers heart rates and stoke remain elevated as the action is non stop for seven miles of continuous class IV and V white water rafting. After navigating Freight Train, the climax of the journey, the intensity and pace slow down just enough to begin celebrating a successful passage of some of the gnarliest white water in the country. The final three miles of the trip feature a few class IV rapids, with enough time in between to take a deep breath and admire in the unparalleled beauty of a crystal clear river cutting through an alpine gorge in the heart of a remote and lush temperate rainforest.
The Cal Salmon is a free flowing, wild and scenic river. For this reason the flow of the river is completely controlled by mother nature. April to June is the ideal time to run the river as the sun begins to melt snow, providing the river with enough water to raft. The flow can be volatile depending on temperature and precipitation. Occasionally trips may be cancelled or rescheduled do to severe high or low water. If a trip has to be cancelled due to weather conditions and you are unable to reschedule your deposit will be refunded.
Located in the heart of the State of Jefferson (Northern California), the Cal Salmon carves a canyon between the Trinity Alps and the Marble Mountains - an area as wild and remote as one can find in the contiguous United States. Bald eagles, black bears and buck deer outnumber humans in this neck of the woods - should you see a human they are most likely a white water enthusiast, as wild as the animals that occupy this backwoods paradise.
The nearest major cities to our put in for the Cal Salmon are Medford, OR and Redding, CA. The commute from either city is around three hours.
We offer day trips on the Cal Salmon River. Meet at Somes Bar or Nordheimer campground and enjoy a full day of Class V white water adventure. We provide all necessary river equipment and a riverside lunch.
Meet at Somes Bar or Nordheimer campground. Enjoy a full day of Class V white water. Includes all necessary river equipment and riverside lunch.
50% Deposit required to reserve. Deposit will be refunded if cancellations are made prior to 1 week before trip date.