Upper Klamath Ward’s Canyon (Kikacéki Reach) 1-Day Rafting Trip

Meeting Location & Time

Meet at 8:15am in Ashland, Oregon (varies slightly by season and group size). Trips return at approximately 4:30pm. Custom pickup options are available by request at booking.

Trip Details 

• Class: IV+ (May to June), IV (June to September)
• Raft load: 4 guests + 1 guide per boat (depended on river levels)
• Distance: 10+ miles combining technical canyon rapids and newly revealed riverbed through the former Copco and Iron Gate lakebeds
• Custom pickup times/locations: available upon request at booking

What to Expect

This day blends two distinct experiences into one strong, continuous adventure:

• Technical canyon whitewater: roughly 3.5 miles of steep, continuous Class IV canyon boating where precision paddling matters.
• Dynamic riverbed travel: roughly 6.5 miles through exposed channels in the former Copco and Iron Gate lakebeds, where the river is actively rebuilding its course.

Seasonal feel: In May and June, higher flows can make this a Class IV+ experience for veteran paddlers. As flows stabilize, it becomes a thrilling but approachable Class IV run for fit guests ages 13 and up. To keep things responsive and safe through technical features, we limit boats to 4 to 5  guests plus your guide (depending on river levels).

Sample Itinerary 

• 8:15am – Meet in Ashland for check-in and a quick trip overview
• Shuttle to the river (transportation included)
• Gear up, safety talk, and paddling clinic at the put-in
• Run the canyon: sustained Class IV whitewater through basalt walls
• Riverside lunch prepared by your guides
• Continue downstream through evolving riverbed channels and scenic stretches
• Take-out and shuttle back to Ashland (typical return around 4:30pm)

History & Setting

This run is a time capsule and a front-row seat to restoration. As the canyon closes in, columnar basalt walls rise above the river and the whitewater stacks up with very few breaks. Between rapids, you will see the landscape of the former reservoirs changing month by month as the Klamath rebuilds its native channel.

Expect big geology, hidden side creeks, and wildlife along the Pacific Flyway. Spring brings fresh green, wildflowers, and migrating birds, while summer highlights warm days, clear lines, and that classic canyon rhythm.

Sacred Ground, Shared Respect 

The Shasta Nation and other tribal peoples have called this region home since time immemorial. As the river reconnects with ancestral waters and lands return to tribal stewardship, we approach each trip with gratitude and respect. We ask guests to treat this place as sacred ground: pack out trash, follow guide direction at access points, and travel with care.

Why Paddle Wards Canyon with us? 

Why Paddle Wards Canyon with High Country Expeditions?

• Brand-new whitewater that very few people have experienced yet
• A rare blend of technical canyon rapids and newly revealed river corridor
• Guides who have been actively scouting and adapting to this evolving run
• All-inclusive setup: expert guiding, premium gear, shuttles, and a quality riverside lunch

Restrictions 

• Minimum age: 13 years old and fit
• Maximum weight: 275 pounds
• Maximum participants per raft: 4 guests + 1 guide per boat (depended on river levels)

Trip Includes 

• Paddling gear: helmets, wetsuits, splash tops, and PFDs
• Lunch: a riverside lunch using local and Pacific Northwest-inspired ingredients
• Transportation: shuttles to and from the river from our meeting location

Trip FAQs and Quick Facts 

Do we need prior rafting experience?

Experience helps, but it is not required. Your guides cover safety, paddle technique, and how to respond to guide calls before launching. Strong fitness and a good attitude go a long way on this trip.

How difficult is Wards Canyon?

This is Class IV whitewater, and it can feel Class IV+ earlier in the season. Expect sustained rapids where the crew paddles and the guide makes technical moves through rock features.

What should we bring?

Quick-dry layers, secure river shoes, sun protection, a water bottle, and any personal meds (inhaler/EpiPen). We recommend bringing an extra warm layer for the shuttle and post-rafting.

How is this different from Hells Corner?

Wards Canyon (Kikaceki) is the newly restored run that mixes technical canyon boating with newly revealed river corridor through former lakebeds. Hells Corner is the classic high-intensity run known for long sequences of named rapids and consistent natural flows.