Upper Klamath 3‑Day Rafting Trip

Trip Details

• Trip Length: 3 full days / 2 nights
• Difficulty: Class IV+ (May–June), Class IV (July–September)  with a mellow Class II finish in the Iron Gate reach (ideal for IKs)
• Minimum Age: 13+ for the big‑water days (Days 1–2). Day 3 IK option is beginner‑friendly for confident guests; guides will help match craft to comfort level.
• Group Size: Minimum 6 guests total (not one party)
• Water Temps: typically 60–70°F
• Raft Load: light & nimble rigs for technical canyon lines (expect smaller boats on bigger days)

Perfect For

• Guests who want the full “old + new” Upper Klamath in one trip
• Adventurous first‑timers in good physical condition and experienced paddlers
• People who want both big whitewater AND a more relaxed, scenic final day

Trip Overview This is the most complete Upper Klamath experience we offer. Over three days, you’ll run the legendary canyon whitewater, explore the newly restored Kikacéki landscape, and finish with a fun, scenic Iron Gate float. With the option to hop into inflatable kayaks for a more personal, hands‑on ride. Two nights in camp gives you time to slow down, eat well, and enjoy the river pace.

3‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Hells Corner: The Classic

We kick off with the legendary Hells corner reach beginning at Spring Island. A powerful, technical stretch with long rapids, big moves, and that “remote Wild West” feel. After a thorough safety briefing and a quick paddling clinic, we launch into a day of iconic whitewater and huge scenery. We’ll stop for a riverside lunch, then continue downstream to our comfortable base camp for the evening.

Camp Night 1

• Hors d’oeuvres followed by a gourmet dinner, dessert with drinks
• Comfortable sleeping setup (cots/pads/bedding depending on your gear list)
• Relax: games, stargazing, riverside hangout, and storytelling

Day 2 – Kikacéki (Wards) Canyon: The Rediscovered River

Day 2 is the heart of the “new” Upper Klamath. After breakfast, we get back on the river for a striking mix of restored valley miles and a steep, continuous canyon where basalt walls close in and the river turns technical. This section feels brand‑new, with 2025 being the first year of accessibility since the damn removals. We finish the day back in camp with a second night of great food and that deep river sleep.

Camp Night 2

• Second gourmet dinner (often the favorite meal of the trip)
• Extra time to unwind, short hikes, fishing, or just kicking back

Day 3 – Iron Gate Reach with Optional Inflatable Kayaks (IKs)

On the final day, the river opens up into the Iron Gate reach.  A beautiful, sunlit stretch with a mellower character. This is where we offer an optional switch into inflatable kayaks (IKs).

The IK Option (how it works)

• After the more technical whitewater is behind us, guests who want a more active experience can switch from raft to a stable, sit‑on‑top inflatable kayak.
• Your guide team will give a quick IK orientation: steering, ferry angles, self‑rescue basics, and spacing.
• You’ll paddle fun Class II splashes and bends at your own pace while guides stay nearby for coaching and support.
• Prefer to stay in the raft? No problem, our guides will keep it comfortable, interpret the landscape, and run a smooth finish.

Why guests love it

• You feel the restored river up close, more control, more connection
• Fun, splashy water without the intensity of the canyon rapids
• A perfect capstone to three days of adventure

What’s Included

Paddling Gear

• PFDs, helmets, paddles
• Splash tops, wetsuits, neoprene booties, and dry bags (provided automatically on cooler days; available on request for warmer trips)
• Inflatable kayaks (IKs) available for the Day 3 Iron Gate option (conditions and guest comfort dependent)

Meals

• Gourmet lunches on the river, full dinners/breakfasts at camp
• Prepared with high quality food. Local and often organic when possible. We do not use seed oils.

Camping Comfort

• Riverside base‑camp “glamping” setup (cots/tables/kitchen)
• Sleeping bags, cots, pillows, and the camp gear needed for a comfortable two‑night stay

Guides and Logistics

• Professional guide team with deep knowledge of the Klamath and the restored reaches
• Scenic shuttle transportation (details below)
• Commemorative Klamath Expedition water bottle (swag)

Meeting and Return Logistics

• 8:30am – Meet in Ashland for check-in and a quick trip overview
• Transfer personal overnight gear to our support vehicle
• Shuttle to the river (transportation included)
• Gear up, safety talk, and paddling clinic at the put-in
• Return to the original meeting location between 3:00 and 4:00pm

What to Bring

• Quick‑dry layers (avoid cotton), warm layer for evenings, rain jacket/wind layer
• River shoes or secure sandals (no flip‑flops)
• Hat, sunglasses (retain straps), sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle (we’ll also have your commemorative bottle)
• Headlamp, personal toiletries, any meds you need
• Optional: light camp shoes, fishing gear (if allowed), small camera/phone in waterproof case
• A detailed pack-list will be sent to you after booking.

FAQs / Notes 

Is the 3‑day harder than the 2‑day?

The big‑water difficulty is similar to the 2‑day on the major canyon days. The main difference is time: the 3‑day gives you a more relaxed pace and adds the scenic Iron Gate finish (often with an IK option).

Do I have to do the inflatable kayak?

No. The IK segment is optional and depends on conditions and guest comfort. You can stay in the raft the entire time.

Flows & itinerary changes

The Upper Klamath is a dynamic, changing river post‑dam removal. Routes and daily plans may shift to match flow levels, weather, and the best/safer lines for your group.