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Whitewater Rafting California & Oregon's Upper Klamath River

Exciting, adrenaline-pumping, white water rafting fun.

Class IV rapids require us to limit trips to children age 12 years or older.
Season: May through October

The upper Klamath River in California and Oregon offers some of the finest spring, summer and fall Class IV or higher (challenging) whitewater available anywhere on the west coast. Locals and whitewater enthusiasts alike know this section of the Klamath River as “Hell’s Corner Gorge,” a wild and scenic river that boasts exciting rapids, roller-coaster waves, technical moves, and a non-stop adrenaline rush. A few of the more thrilling rapids carry descriptive names such as Caldera, Branding Iron, Pearly Gates, Hell’s Corner, the Dragon, Scar Face, Ambush, and Ol’ Bushwhacker. Once you have experienced this trip, you will want to return again and again.

Along with world class rapids, this whitewater rafting adventure offers beautiful panoramas of breathtaking river canyons, ample opportunities for sighting wildlife, and boatloads of colorful history from bygone eras. Side trips include a visit to the 1860s homestead of pioneer Martin Frain. Your guide will relate interesting aspects of this colorful prospector’s journey in 1849 from the confines of his home in New York to the prosperous lifestyle he discovered along the upper Klamath River.

You will see the remnants of his cabins, root cellar, and apple orchard. Side trips also include visits to several old Indian village sites where the native Klamath Indians camped, hunted, and fished along the river’s banks. There, you will see the rain rock where natives presented their offerings and prayed for rain. Surrounding the rock are several sweat lodge sites once used for ceremonials and rituals.

If you desire wilderness adventure, this trip offers a wonderful combination of beautiful scenery, exciting whitewater rapids, colorful history, and more. This is truly a trip that is enjoyed by beginners and experienced rafters alike. Full-day trips of whitewater rafting California’s upper Klamath River include up to 17 river miles. Two-day adventures include 31 river miles, while three-day trips cover 43 river miles.

"The Upper Klamath was a superb experience for our family - thrilling yet we felt completely confident in our guide to keep us safe. Few trips offer such challenging rapids for a family with a 14 year old.  The assistant guides were excellent in knowledge and camaraderie. The
food was indeed superb." - Karen Saeger -

What's provided: Free use of wetsuits and splash jackets when necessary? Full day Upper Klamath River rafting trips include our deluxe buffet deli lunch with hot entrée and beverage on those cool river days and after trip beverage. Two and three day Upper Klamath River whitewater rafting adventures also include gourmet cooked dinners with your choice of entrée, sushi platter, evening beverages, and a hearty eye opening breakfast each day. Tents and sleeping bags with pad are available to rent for a nominal fee (call for availability and prices). Free hot showers are also available upon request when booking your trip.