Klamath River, CA/OR

The Klamath is our hidden California gem. It runs through the mountains of the far north of the state, close enough to the Bay Area for a long weekend and even closer to Ashland and Medford. After the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, hundreds of miles of the river are flowing free for the first time in a century.

The river

Our 3-day trip runs the Wild and Scenic section from Indian Creek, near Happy Camp, to Ti Bar. Day one brings Kanaka, Devils Toenail and The Trench, all class III. Day two adds Ferry Point, Independence Creek and Dragons Tooth, with a hike to the falls at Ukanom Creek. The rapids are straightforward roller-coaster waves, the water is warm and the beaches are big, which is why National Geographic Adventure named this trip one of its top ten family vacations. The trip covers 28 to 40 miles, and the guides swear a Bigfoot sighting is possible.

Trips on the Klamath

Orange Torpedo Trips runs the 3-day Wild and Scenic camping trip in rafts and inflatable kayaks, with guides, meals and camp all handled. It is our most beginner-friendly camping trip, with kids as young as 6 riding the oared raft, and it still has enough whitewater to keep experienced Torpedo paddlers smiling. Row Your Own boaters can run the Lower Klamath with us carrying the kitchen and showing the lines. Briggs and Whitewater Cowboys don't operate here, so this one is all about the guided trip.

When to go

Early summer brings bigger waves and more action, so we run the Klamath in May and June. Later dates trade a little whitewater for warmer water and even better camping. The trip needs six people to go, so bring friends or join a scheduled date.

Getting there

Meet at the Indian Creek boat launch near Happy Camp. Stay in Yreka if you're coming from the south or Ashland from the north, and fly into Redding or Medford. You arrange your own car shuttle from Indian Creek to Ti Bar, and we'll point you to the right people.