EXPERIENCED PADDLERS- SOUTH FORK TRINITY RIVER – 3 BEARS RUN: SPRING/EARLY SUMMER ONLY (MARCH_JUNE)
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/person
- Half day: $125.00/person
This classic springtime and early summer 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. After we’ve conquered all the class IV rapids, we have the option of stopping to pick up some inflatable kayaks for the scenic second half 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+. A minimum of 4 paddlers is required. Previous experience is recommended, but not required as long as you are fit, adventurous, and ready to paddle hard.
- Call now to book this trip 707 599 4221.
CAL SALMON BUTLER FLAT (class IV) and NORDHEIMER (class IV-V): SPRING/EARLY SUMMER (MARCH-JUNE) ONLY – EXPERIENCED PADDLERS
Somes Bar, CA
Put-in: USFS Butler Ledge river access or Nordheimer Creek Campground
Take-out: Brandan Bar or Oak Bottom
Difficulty: Class IV or IV-V
Length: 7 or 11 miles
- Price for Cal Salmon Butler Ledge (IV) Full Day: $150/per; Half Day $135/person – March-June
- Price for Cal Salmon Nordheimer (IV-V) Full Days Only: $175/per – March-June
Known locally as “the slamming salmon” this spring time and early summer run is epic! Nordheimer is the true classic class IV-V run of the Cal-Salmon, and it has a general big water class IV character with two larger class V 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 (IV), Air Plane Turn (IV), Cascade (V), Achilles Heal (IV), Last Chance (IV), and Frieght Train (V), to name a few. The Butler Ledge run, our guides’ favorite, starts off fast and furious with the class III-IV “miracle mile” and continuous constant action. Things ease up with more class III+ pool drop action all the way through the Gapping Maw (IV+) 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 minimum of 4 participants is required to book. Previous paddling experience required for class V, as well as a swim/fitness test. Previous paddling experience is recommended, but not required for class IV as long as you can swim, are fit, adventurous, and ready to paddle hard.
- Price for Cal Salmon Full Days: Butler Ledge (class IV) $150/person; Nordheimer (class IV-V) $175/person
- Price for Cal Salmon Half Day: Butler Ledge (class IV) $135/person
DAY RUNS AND OVERNIGHTERS ON THE SMITH RIVER (WINTER/SPRING ONLY)
The Smith River has many different terrains within it’s secluded watersheds, including magestic redwoods, serpenine soils rich with carnivorous and succulent plants, and snow capped mountains. This remote corner of Northwestern California is home to one of the few completely undammed river systems and is best known for it’s salmon and steelhead fishing. The whitewater is almost all rain produced, so this one is best to hit a few days after storms have made their way through. The class IV North Fork is an epic, once in a lifetime, wilderness run, with approximately 100+ waterfalls and plenty of rapids to keep you busy and not thinking about the temps. The South Fork has is more scenic, floating through the redwoods, with some big class III+ rapids to spice things up. The Middle Fork has a more creeky feel, with lots of action keeping you busy, with mostly class II and III rapids, with one class IV for good measure. Since the best time to raft here is winter and early spring, it is recommended you reserve yourself a nice warm comfortable hotel room in Crescent City and let us pick you up for the multiple rafting runs in the nearby area. You need a minimum of 4 paddlers to book this trip. Recommended minimum age is 14+ for the North and Middle Forks, and 10+ for the South Fork.
- North Fork Smith (class IV)- $199/person
- Middle Fork Smith (class III w/ 1 class IV)- $150/person
- South Fork Smith (class III+)- $150/person
* 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-medium flows it’s continuous class II-III (w/ one IV); at high flows it’s continuous class III-IV (w/ one IV+)
Length: 9 miles
- Full day: $135.00/adult; $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 at high flows of 16 and at med-low flows of 12+. Previous experience is not required, but recommended for high flows. High flow participants must be good swimmers, fit, and adventurous. 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 (March-June)
Mnt. Shasta, CA
Put-in: Sims Flat Campground
Take-out: Dog Creek
Difficulty: class II-III+
Length: 14 miles
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- Full day: $150.00/adult $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, with a more pool drop feel, 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 and early summer, usually April and May, sometimes into June, so BOOK EARLY! Minimum age of 10+ at med to high flows and 8+ at lower flows. Previous experience is not required. A minimum of 4 paddlers is required to book this trip. Group rates do apply.
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- Call now to book this trip 707 599 4221.
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EEL RIVER OVERNIGHT MULTIDAY TRIP CLASS III-IV (SPRING ONLY)
This seldom run river has beautiful top notch scenery, fun rapids,and amazing solitude. It follows the now abandoned Northwestern Pacific Railway Line. This 46 mile run can be done in 3 days, but is best as a 4 or 5 day expedition trip, leaving time for exploring up tributaries and side canyons. The camping here is excellent, as are the opportunities for spotting wildlife. This run is an excellent option for those really wanting to get off the beaten path and go somewhere not many others ever do. As it is a spring run, the weather can be fickle, so only the hardy should attempt this epic journey, although we think it is well worth the effort. April and May are the optimal times to get on the Eel, and maybe early June on a really good snow pack year. At higher flows there are 3 class IV rapids and LOTS of III+. At medium to lower flows it’s all class II-III with a couple III+ rapids. e launch from Dos Rios and float down to Alderpoint. This trip needs a minimum of 4 participants to book.
3 Nights 4 Days – $799/person
*All Eel River trips have a $300/vehicle shuttle fee added to the total to make sure your vehicle arrives safe at take out*
OVERNIGHT CAL-SALMON (CLASS IV-V) RIVER RAFTING TRIP: SPRING ONLY
This is an epic class IV & V river experience! The Cal Salmon is a free-flowing river. With no upstream dams, the river depends on snowmelt for its flows. The California Salmon (Cal Salmon) is one of the wildest rivers in the west. Supreme beauty combined with thrilling class IV and V rapids make this a truely world class adventure creating trips to be remembered for a lifetime. Base camp is made at Nordheimer campground and two or three day trips can be planned depending on paddlers experience and river flows. The Cal Salmon is pretty consistently at raftable levels March-May. In years with good snowpack, it can even go through June! You need a minimum of 4 paddlers to book this trip. Recommended minimum age is 16+.
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- 1 Night and 2 Days – $529.00/ person
- 2 Nights and 3 Days – $769.00/person
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***New item*** KLAMATH RIVER, YOGA/MEDITATION MULTIDAY TRIPS CLASS II-III (w/ one IV-)
2023 dates: June 20-22
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- 2 Nights & 3 Days – $699.00/ person
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*All Klamath River trips have an additional $150 per vehicle shuttle added to the total to make sure your vehicles arrive safe at take out*
This new specialty trip includes a morning routine of yoga and meditation after breakfast to set the tone for the day with our own yoga instructor/mental health specialist/raft guide extraordinaire Bri Nadi. The Klamath River is one of the first rivers in California to be granted National “Wild and Scenic” river status; it has much to offer as it runs free for 180 miles to the Pacific Ocean. It is home to nearly 100 species of mammals and 280 species of birds. The upper stretch is home to thrilling class III-V whitewater- a boaters dream. Anglers are pleased with its world famous and bountiful salmon and steelhead runs. Nature lovers enjoy splendid and diverse wildlife and scenery as it carves an ancient path through some of America’s most wild country- the Cascade, Siskiyou, Sierra, and Lost Coast Mountain Ranges. The Lower section of the Klamath in California gently winds through scenic brilliance in the northwest corner of the state near the Oregon border. This trip is family friendly or can be for adults only. Inflatable kayaks are available on this trip, please reserve when booking. We only offer this trip in early part of the season!