Upper Klamath
Rating: Class 4
Distance: 24 River Miles
Season: June-September
Location: 30
Miles northeast of Yreka, CA
Beginning in Oregon and ending just inside the California border, the "Hells
Corner" section of the Upper Klamath is an action-lover's dream. Long, turbulent,
and consistent best describe the rapids of this river. Our initial introduction
to the Upper Klamath is one of beauty and serenity as we drift peacefully through
several miles of class 2-3 rapids enjoying the scenery and abundant birds and
wildlife. The tranquillity soon ends as the river descends into "Caldera," the
first of forty major rapids that make the Upper Klamath a river runner's delight.
As we descend into the isolated, narrow canyon, we encounter a seemingly endless
series of class 2-3 rapids. Thanks to a recently discovered access road we are
able to take out immediately below the class 4 section, camp for the night, and
the next day, after breakfast, shuttle upstream and do it again!
Unlike the Sierra rivers, the Upper Klamath races through 18 miles of isolated
volcanic canyon thick with oak, fir, cedar and pine. Rich in Old West history,
the Upper Klamath takes us past ranches, cabins and wagon trails virtually unchanged
since covered wagons creaked along the Oregon Trail in the 1800's. Even the rapids
reflect this western heritage with names like "Gunsmoke, " "Stageline," "Branding
Iron, " "Ambush," and "Ol' Bushwhacker." As intense
as it is beautiful, this river is outstanding in all it offers to true river
enthusiasts.
This trip is recommended for physically
fit individuals with previous class 3 commercial rafting experience.
Six guests per raft. Due to the abrasive volcanic river rock,
wetsuits are strongly recommended. Click
here for rental information.
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