Upper Klamath River Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

Upper Klamath River Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

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Oregon Whitewater Rafting at its Finest on the Klamath River!

Upper Klamath River Full day trip overview
All Upper Klamath rafting trips launch at Spring Island boat ramp, located below John C.Boyle Dam. Trip launching times are coordinated with peak water releases from the Dam, ensuring optimal water levels and guaranteed excitement. The first 4 miles of the run consists of a few Class II & III+ rapids with mellow stretches and spectacular scenery. A true and timeless Old West allure is always present in this isolated and history rich filled canyon. Once you reach the canyon, the excitement of the "Hell's Corner" run begins with the first major rapid of the day. Caldera, a long, technical Class IV+ rapid, gets the adrenaline pumping and is followed by more than 40 thrilling (but not overwhelming) rapids intertwined with high, abrupt drops and non-stop breathtaking excitement. After having experienced some of the most exciting whitewater in the NW, we'll pull off the river approximately halfway through the Hell's Corner portion of the adventure for a wonderful and hearty gourmet lunch.

High Country Expeditions is not just known for great river trips and professional guides, but also for our truly gourmet, fresh and delicious riverside meals. The meals are served right on the river bank, suited and designed to your needs by your guide. We also cater to most dietary needs and desires.

After lunch it's time to get back in the saddle and ride the remaining and always exciting Upper Klamath rapids. Once out of the Canyon, you'll enjoy a 1-3 miles relaxing class 2 cool down period before the take-out. There are 3 access points to take out and these are determined by time and weather.

High Country Expeditions also offers two-day rafting trips on this exciting portion of the river river.On our overnight trips, High Country Expeditions guests camp near the California/Oregon Stateline and enjoy a pleasant afternoon and evening by testing their skills at catching wild trout, swimming in the usually warm waters or just relaxing and discussing the day's run.

On the second day we run the best six mile stretch again starting from the old Frain Ranch site and continuing until we reach Copco Lake. Because the water on the Upper Klamath is dam controlled, the levels are consistent throughout the summer and make this a popular late summer run.

Upper Klamath River Location & brief description
The Klamath river begins in the Cascades of southern Oregon near Klamath Falls and runs out of Klamath Lake down for approximately 17 miles into Copco Lake just south of the California-Oregon Border. Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Upper Klamath river provides habitat for an abundance of birds such as eagles, osprey, pelicans, herons and more. The Upper Klamath River carves its way through the volcanic Cascade mountain range, offering a glimpse into the Wild West of the past. Hell's Corner Canyon is full of old west flavor. High buttes crown the canyon rims, abandoned settler's cabins are visible on the banks and waterfalls and rapids are known by names like Hell's Corner, Wells Fargo, Gunsmoke, Stageline, Branding Iron, Wild Card, Jackass, Ambush and Ol' Bushwacker. This run offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting on the west coast!

Base Full-day rate $185.00 *Discounts available!

Base Two-day rate $475.00 *Discounts available!

*Youth - there is a 12 year age limit on this section of whitewater.*


Upper Klamath River History
For many years before the first settlers, the Klamath River was home to the Karok, Modoc, and Yurok Indian tribes. The Klamath was the life blood of the Native Americans who relied on it for its abundance of salmon and trout. The name "Klamath" was derived from an Indian word "Tlamatl" which means "swiftness" in Chinook.

The Gold Rush of 1850-51 brought many miners and left a rich history. The miners caused a terrible disruption in the lives of the Native Americans of the area by damming and diverting water for mining purposes, which made it difficult for spawning salmon and other fish populations. There are remnants of old mining sites, old hotels, brothels and hot spring resorts along the lower portion of the Upper Klamath river.

Only a few years ago the Upper Klamath was known only to a private river runner from Oregon, Jack Leroy. Dean Monroe, head of Wilderness Adventures of Redding, floated the river in 1979 and passed the word that the "Hell's Corner Run" was comparable to the Tuolumne (Monroe invented the name Hell's Corner, wrote a song about the river,and christened most of the rapids as well).
Excerpted from California White Water by Jim Cassady and Fryar Calhoun

In the early 1980s, the town of Klamath Falls proposed to build the Salt Caves Dam. This dam would wipe out the Hell's Corner section of the river. Years of heated debates began. In 1986, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was directed to study the Klamath River for possible induction into "The National Wild and Scenic River System." Finally in 1994, the 11 miles of canyon from the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to the Oregon-California state line were designated a federal Wild and Scenic River. This designation provides federal and state protection to the outstanding values of the river and its canyon.

Join us for a whitewater rafting adventure. High Country Expeditions offers rafting trips on some of the most beautiful rivers in Oregon and Northern California.

Deposits, Payment Methods & Confirmation:

A minimum 50% deposit or credit card is required to secure a reservation, unless other arrangements have been made. For groups of 12 or more payment is due in full 48 days prior to your trip. After making your reservation, confirmation will be sent out with any additional information you may request. Last minute inquiries are welcome, please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you! We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Cancellations for river trips:

You may cancel your trip 30 days prior to the trip date for a full refund. Cancellations made 29 to 3 days prior to your scheduled trip will result in a $25.00 reservation fee, and a $100.00 per person fee for extended excursions. The balance will promptly be credited back to your credit card. Or, if you would like to reschedule your trip for later in the season, we will work with you to do this and apply the deposit amount to your new trip. We do not offer any refunds after your trip has been rescheduled. Sorry, but no refunds for cancellations made 48 hours or less from the trip date. If you schedule a trip for a group of 20 or more, you may finalize the number of people in your group a week before your trip without penalty. As always, we want to make sure you are happy, and will always work with you to achieve this.

Non-Performance:

We reserve the right to cancel any excursions due to unsafe water conditions, poor weather, and other circumstances beyond our control. If a trip is cancelled, you may choose to reschedule or we will promptly refund your deposit/payment in full.

Cancellation for schools: You may cancel your enrollment 14 days prior to the date for a full refund with a $50.00 filling and holding fee. Cancellations made 13 to 6 days prior to your scheduled trip will result in a none refund of deposit, any balance will be returned promptly. Sorry, but no refunds for cancellations made within five days of the start of the course.

Trip Overview

UPPER KLAMATH RIVERS' TRIP FACTS AND DETAILS

TRIP LOCATION AND CLASSIFICATION: On the Klamath River, beginning 44 miles East of Ashland, OR. This 13 to 17 mile excititng whitewater river adventurer is classified III - IV based on the International Rating Scale of I-VI. I being very mellow, easy. VI being considered by most, un-runnable. There are six rapids as class IV on this trip.

TRIP CONCLUDES: In California near Copco Lake, 49 miles Southeast of Ashland, OR. After de-rigging and loading the rafts and equipment, taking a refreshment and celebration break, and changing into clothing of comfort, we return to your original rendezvous point.

RESTRICTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Good health and agility, not afraid of water, a good swimmer and at least 12 years of age (10 when accompanied by a fully informed parent) are the prerequisites. This raft trip is not for the squeamish or lighthearted.

WHATS PROVIDED:
All Necessary river equipment for your complete comfort and safety; fully trained, experienced and highly skilled river guides; transportation to and from your designated rendezvous point and the river; complete lunch, juice and ice water; waterproof protective bags for your camera, keys, extra clothing and personal valuables; wet suits, splash jackets and wet socks, when and if needed; our warm and friendly conversation, stories and history of the area, flora, fauna and wildlife identification, and our enthusiasm for this superstar whitewater adventure.

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