Hi there, We just wanted to extend a special thanks to High Country for making this a very special vacation. This was our first family rafting adventure and the kids loved it so much that we're already talking about next year. Doug Caberra
|
|
|
Rivers > Upper Klamath River
 The Wild and Scenic "Hell's Corner" of the Upper Klamath offers
non-stop, fun and exciting whitewater rafting, for most of the year.
This upper most, 20 mile portion of the Klamath River is Oregon's only
consistent, and without a doubt the best Class 4+
whitewater rafting experience throughout the summer. The section is
located between 2 power generating dams, providing consistent water
releases throughout the year. This means great whitewater
rafting. Located in the southern most region of Oregon and nestled
between Klamath Falls & Ashland, the UK (as it is known) is close
but very remote. Being one of the newest members to federally
designated "wild & scenic" rivers in North America makes this
adventure one to be experienced.
Upper Klamath River Trip Highlights
40 plus exciting rapids
Warm water! (Very rare in the NW)
Spectacular scenery & wildlife
Family friendly whitewater adventure (12 years and older)
All inclusive trips: wet-suits, booties, lunch, shuttle...
Experienced guides & top-of-the-line gear!
Close to Ashland, Klamath Falls, Mt. Shasta, Crater Lake
Emphasis on Safety & Fun
- Upper Klamath River Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trip
Upper Klamath River Full day trip overview All Upper Klamath
rafting trips launch at Spring Island boat ramp, located below John C.
Boyel 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
mile 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 $145.00 *Discounts available! Base Two-day rate $355.00 *Discounts available! *Youth - there is a 12 year age limit on this section of whitewater.* See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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.
|
|
 |
|
|
High Country Expeditions leads whitewater rafting trips on some of the finest scenic rivers in Oregon and California.
|
|
