Trinity River Hydrology Report

CAL SALMON BUTLER FLAT (IV) and NORDHEIMER (IV-V): SPRING/EARLY SUMMER ONLY – EXPERIENCED PADDLERS

Somes Bar, CA

Put-in: USFS Butler Ledge river access or campground at Nordheimer Creek
Take-out: Brandan Bar
Difficulty: Class IV or IV-V
Length: 11 miles

• Price for Cal Salmon Butler Ledge Class IV Full Day: $150/Adult – March-June
• Price for Cal Salmon Nordhiemer Class IV-V Full Day: $175/Adult – March-June

Known locally as “the slamming salmon” this spring time run is epic!  Nordheimer is the true classic run of the Cal-Salmon, as has a general big water class IV character with two larger rapids sprinkled in. If you are an experienced boater, this stretch of river should be at the top of your list. It has it all. Notable rapids include Bloomer Falls, Air Plane Turn, Cascade, Achilles Heal, Last Chance, and Frieght Train, to name a few.  The Butler Ledge run, starts off fast and furious with the “miracle mile” and continous with constant action through the Gapping Maw and down to Wooley Creek.  Breathtaking scenery, exciting rapids, and remoteness make this run an experience of a lifetime.  We provide a delicious organic deli style lunch with smoked salmon, turkey, farm fresh veggies, and homemade dessert on this trip.  Minimum age is 17+ for Nordheimer and 14+ for Butler.  A minumum of 4 participants is required to book.  Previous paddling experience is highly recommended.

EXPERIENCED PADDLERS- SOUTH FORK TRINITY RIVER – 3 BEARS RUN: SPRING ONLY (March-May)

Willow Creek, CA

Put-in: Surprise Creek, South Fork Rd
Take-out: Low water/Broken Bridge
Difficulty: Class IV-IV+
Length: 7 miles

• Full day: $135.00/adult

This classic springtime section is a personal favorite. This is our “backyard run” and also happens to be one of the best whitewater runs in California, with superb scenery, abundant wildlife, challenging rapids, and amazing water quality. The South Fork of Trinity River is never crowded and one of the longest free flowing rivers in California.  It is rare to see other humans on this run, although bears, otters, osprey and bald eagles are common. On it we’ll challenge the “3 class IV Bears”, Baby, Mama, Papa and then Goldilocks waiting at the end. The bears are all long class IVs that’ll take solid teamwork and precision to best. There are numerous class II and III rapids along the way to warm up before we get to the meat of the run. We will stop at a secluded sandy beach across from a waterfall where we’ll provide a delicious organic deli style lunch with smoked salmon, turkey, farm fresh veggies, and homemade dessert on this trip.  The South Fork flows mostly in the winter and spring, so BOOK EARLY!  Minimum age of 14+.   Previous experience is recommended. Group rates do apply.

• • Call now to book this trip 707 599 4221.

* Just added!* UPPER UPPER TRINITY RIVER – SCOTT MNT-COFFEE CREEK RUN: SPRING/EARLY SUMMER ONLY (May-June)

Coffee Creek, CA

Put-in: Base of Scott Mnt, Hwy 3
Take-out: Coffee Creek
Difficulty: At low-med flows = Continuous class III (w/ one IV-). At high flows = Continuous class IV (with one IV+) to start, then class III+
Length: 9 miles

• • • Full day: $135.00/adult and $125/youth (12 and under)

This relatively unknown classic and guide favorite late spring/early summer section has a “busy creeky” feel. Expect continuous action for the first half of the run, with epic views of snowcapped mountains. This is one of the most scenic sections and you won’t even notice the nearby road. This run only has enough flow during good water years, but when it is in, it is an opportunity not to be missed.  When temperatures start to warm up, that snow starts to melt, and the fun begins! We call it the “upper upper” Trinity because this is the section ABOVE the reservoir (Trinity Lake). We will stop at a secluded beach where we’ll provide a delicious organic deli style lunch with smoked salmon, turkey, farm fresh veggies, and homemade dessert on this trip.  This part of the Trinity only flows in the spring, so BOOK EARLY!  April, May, and June (on a good water year). Minimum age of 14 at high flows, 12 at low to medium flows.   Previous experience is not required. A minimum of 4 paddlers is required to book this trip. Group rates do apply.

* Just added!* UPPER SACREMENTO RIVER – SIMS RUN: SPRING/EARLY SUMMER ONLY (April-June)

Mnt. Shasta, CA

Put-in: Sims Flat Campground
Take-out: Dog Creek
Difficulty: class II-III+
Length: 14 miles

• • • Full day: $150.00/adult and $140/youth (12 and under)

This excellent run halfway between Redding and Mnt. Shasta is perfect for the adventurous family or big group trip. It packs a punch with over 35 rapids in just 14 miles. The first half is BUSY with lots of excellent whitewater. The second half mellows out a bit, but still has some bigger rapids hiding around corners. The scenery is spectacular. A railroad track runs adjacent. This run is a favorite for locals for a reason. This run depends on rain and snowmelt to provide adequate flows, but when they are good, they are really good. We will stop at a secluded beach where we’ll provide a delicious organic deli style lunch with smoked salmon, turkey, farm fresh veggies, and homemade dessert on this trip.  The Upper Sacramento is raftable only in the spring, usually April and May, sometimes into June, so BOOK EARLY!  Minimum age of 10+.   Previous experience is not required. A minimum of 4 paddlers is required to book this trip. Group rates do apply.

• • • Call now to book this trip 707 599 4221.

  • 3 Day Whitewater Kayak School

    When: July 28th, 29th, 30th  2023

    Where: Trinity River hwy 299. Skunk Point campground.

    *Includes camping for 2 nights.

    ***We will meet on day 1 at the 6 Rivers Rafting Office at 38400 CA HWY 299, Junction City, CA 96048***

    Who: 6 River Rafting Guests with Ashlee Rice ACA level 4 instructor 

    What: WW kayak clinic for class 2 to class 3 kayakers looking to improve and refine your: 

    • Stroke work
    • Balance and stability 
    • Maneuvering in rapids 
    • Reading the river
    • Scouting rapids 
    • Surfing
    • Lessons in hydrology
    • Roll tune ups
    • Build confidence
    • Play and have fun!

     All kayakers are welcome to join, including inflatable kayakers and pack rafters

    What you need: The 5 things + 

    • Boat
    • Paddle
    • Helmet
    • Skirt
    • PFD
    • Dry top/Wetsuit/Splash top
    • Good shoes
    • Water bottle
    • Camping equipment (tent,sleeping pad, sleeping bag, head lamp)
    • Food, snacks, and drinks (water provided) 

    *Please inquire if you need to rent any items at the time of registration.

    *Food not included.

    Is it for Me?

    This whitewater kayaking clinic will be held on predominantly class 2 whitewater, with a possibility of class 3, depending on class breakdowns. Having some prior experience in class 2 rapids is beneficial. A combat roll is preferred but not mandatory. If you are looking to improve your skills on the river this will be an appropriate clinic for you!

    Cost per person: $425

    Book online or call now 707 599 4221 to reserve your spot in this class!