Cal Salmon Whitewater Rafting River Trips on the California Salmon River with High Country Expeditions. Oregon Whitewater rafting, California Best Whiteater Rafting Trips, Class 4 Class5 Rafting Trips, River Guide School training on the Cal Salmon. Raft

Dear guides at High Country Expeditions,

We had a great time on the "geriatric" rafting trip.
Loved all the Holiday Inn jokes.

I was surprised that our whole group signed up and that everyone said they had a great time.
Thanks again.
Will recommend your trips to others.
Carol McInnes

Midco Good Sam Club, Hood River

Rivers > Cal-Salmon River Rafting

The Northwest's Premier Class V Whitewater River

The California Salmon River is one of the Northwest’s premier class 4 / 5 spring river rafting runs. This challenging and beautiful river offers class V whitewater rafting, plunging through a narrow steep-walled gorge of glistening marble and granite. The California Salmon flows out of the Marble Mountain and Salmon-Trinity Wilderness Areas down into the Klamath National Forest, offering amazing whitewater rafting adventures.

California Salmon Whitewater Rafting Adventure
The Ultimate Wild & Scenic Experience

High Country Expeditions offers one, two,

and three day trips on this river. Generally,
the first day of multi-day trips are on the

lower run flowing through a magnificent gorge with waterfalls gracing the marbled granite cliffs. This run starts with class III and IV rapids preparing us for the highlight, class IV+ Gaping Maw. This lower section is filled with plenty of exciting whitewater, but is only just a prelude of what’s to come on the infamous Nordheimer Gorge upriver.

The upper run through the Nordheimer Gorge (the second day of multi-day trips) is a continuum of raftable waterfalls with long turbulent rapids, somersaulting waves, enormous sucking holes, and plenty of boulders to maneuver around. The run begins immediately with class IV+ rapids such as Bloomer’s Falls, Lewis Creek Falls, and Airplane Turn. Along the way you’ll also be challenged with the rapids Achilles Heel and Whirling Dervish. The thrills continue with the class IV+ Cascade Falls, Last Chance, and the grand finale of class V Freight Train.

High Country Expeditions does recommend previous paddling experience, although this river may seem extremely challenging, it is very family friendly. With the various choices of river sections to raft, the California Salmon River does have something for everyone! We do have a 14 yr age requirement on the California Salmon, but you are offered a choice when it comes to which section to raft. From a class 2-3 section, a class 3-4 section or the class 5 section witch over the years has been downgraded some by our guides do to the number of trips which they have guided here. Your guides may also decide on which river section to raft depending on a variety of factors such as; the water levels, weather, client group make up and such. As always safety and your enjoyment are our number one concern on every excursion! Our trips are conducted on paddle rafts , as well as stern assist paddle raft configurations.

See pricing details Book a Trip Now

2008 Slammin' Salmon Memorial Day Weekend
Come join us Memorial Day weekend on the California Salmon River, for the best and most exciting whitewater rafting and camping experience in the Pacific Northwest. The California Salmon River is considered the best whitewater rafting river in the West, it offers class I-III sections for beginners and intermediate rafters and class IV-V sections for folks wanting the ultimate rafting experience.

A base camp is set-up near Nordheimer campground located 16 miles east of Sommes Bar California, on the banks of the Cal-Salmon. The weekend adventure includes all beverages, meals and all rafting gear (wet-suits, booties, helmets...) guides, a private High Country camp site and a guaranteed great time. The total price for the weekend is $395.00 per person, family members and friends not interested in rafting but joining the group for camping and meals, hiking or biking in the area are welcome for a meal and camping fee.

Day one is spent on the class 4+ Butler section of the Salmon, which flows into the Klamath river. This day will begin approximately at 10:15 am and should conclude back at camp by 5:30'ish. Where appetizers and a fine dining style meal will be waiting for us.

Day two will begin around 10:30 am, we'll launch from "Nordheimer" boat launch and embark on one of the most exciting sections of whitewater in the country. We should be getting back to base camp around 5:00'ish and again have a gourmet meal waiting for us.

Day three will have 2 choices, we'll either run the same section as we did on day two or we'll pack up and drive approximately 1 hour to the Scott river and raft the class 5 section of this incredible spring-time whitewater river. The day will conclude with lunch and then people will have the option to stay or head home.

Overall camp & trip details:

On this adventure, as on all of our overnight base camping trips, we pay special attention to detail when it comes to our camp and the atmosphere that we'll be in. The river is amazing, so is the environment as well as the scenery, all of our gear, guides and overall trip is always top of the line. Thus, we make sure that our camp is as complete as it possible can be. Just because we're camping in the wilderness does not mean that we'll have to be uncomfortable, cold or dirty.

We provide an amazing camp shelter systems (with a wood stove if needed), huge and clean kitchens, a hot camp shower as well as seating and lounging areas with a hammock - This is just to give folks an idea of how amazing this adventure truly is.

We hope to see you on the river soon.

Cheers, from the crew at High Country Expeditions