Meeting Time and Place
Where: Nordheimer Campgound on the Salmon River
When:9 a.m.
Nordheimer will be our home base. We will run different sections of the river each day and return to camp each afternoon around 4 for dinner and sleep. This is a car camping trip, you may indulge and bring as much gear as you’d like and need to be comfortable.
From Mount Shasta, travel north to Weed, then Edgewood, Gazelle, Callahan, Cecilville, Forks of Salmon, Nordheimer. No services are available on this windy, mountain road. Please allow extra time for slow driving. Last gas is in Weed. Takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
From Redding, take Hwy. 299 west to Willow Creek, then Hwy. 96 north. Drive past Orleans by about 8 miles and, just before the hamlet of Somes Bar, turn right onto the Salmon River Road. Drive about 13.5 miles to Nordheimer (which will be on your left). If you reach Forks of the Salmon, you’ve gone 4 miles too far. Gas up in Orleans.
From the Bay Area, travel north on Hwy 101 past Arcata. Take 299 east to Willow Creek, then Hwy. 96 north. Drive past Orleans by about 8 miles and, just before the hamlet of Somes Bar, turn right onto the Salmon River Road. Drive about 13.5 miles to Nordheimer (which will be on your left). If you reach Forks of the Salmon, you’ve gone 4 miles too far. Gas up in Orleans. Takes 7 hours.
From Oregon, travel south on I-5. Take Hwy. 96 west and drive all the way to Happy Camp. From Happy Camp keep going west on Hwy.96 for another 40+ miles until you reach Somes Bar. Pass the store on your right then turn left onto the Salmon River Road and continue 13.5 miles to Nordheimer. Gas up in Happy Camp
Another route from Oregon, south on I-5 to Grants Pass, Hwy. 199 southwest to O’Brien (about 40 miles). In O’Brien take a left to Happy Camp (about 30 miles). From Happy Camp keep going west on Hwy.96 for another 40+ miles until you reach Somes Bar. Pass the store on your right then turn left onto the Salmon River Road and continue 13.5 miles to Nordheimer. Gas up in Grants Pass and Happy Camp.
The drive along the Salmon river requires patience and a steady hand, due to the narrow, often one lane road. An added caution for rock slides is advised.
You’ll find gas, telephone and food in Forks of Salmon and Orleans.
What To Bring
You will be getting wet! Wool or synthetic work best for cooler weather trips. Avoid cotton that dries slowly and has no insulating value.
For Day Trips Only, Bring:
- Wetsuit … if you do not have one, we will supply one to you, free of charge
- Wool, fleece or polypropylene socks
- Swimsuits or shorts
- Tennis shoes, river sandals or river booties
- Polypropylene, capilene or other synthetic top
- Long sleeve fleece top
- Wool or fleece hat
- Lightweight rain gear
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm
For Multi-Day Trips, Also Bring:
- Compact tent
- Ground cloth
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Change of clothes and shoes
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal toiletries and small towel
Optional
- Camera with extra film
- Binoculars
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Insect repellent
The success of a camping trip and your personal level of comfort hinge on good planning and preparedness.
What We Bring
- Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets
- Wetsuits and paddle jackets
- Dry bags for your personal gear
- First Aid
- River Rescue Equipment
- Drinking Water
- Food, snacks and meals
- Inflatable Kayaks, if requested
Your safety and comfort are our utmost concern. Our guides are mature, skilled professionals, certified in first aid and CPR. All trips are equipped with first aid kits and river rescue equipment. Safety procedures will be explained in detail prior to and during the trip. Because of the inherent risks involved with any outdoor activity, we are required to have you sign an acknowledgment of risk and release of liability before your trip.
Food
We provide all meals from lunch the first day through lunch the last day. We serve delicious, wholesome food, using only the freshest ingredients available. We make every effort to accommodate your needs and preferences; let us know if you have a special diet or food allergies. We serve wine with dinner. Bring your own beer and sodas. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
Renting or Purchasing Gear
If you would like to purchase some of your own river gear, go to NRS.
For gear rental, we recommend The Fifth Season. They rent high quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads at reasonable prices. Phone: 530-926-3606, Fax: 530-926-1337.
We can pick up your rental order and have it waiting for you at put-in when we start your trip.
Weather
Spring weather on the Cal Salmon can be sunny and warm, or cool and wet. Nights can be chilly. Plan for all weather conditions. We will provide wetsuits and paddle jackets if needed.
Visitor Information
Tipping
If you feel your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation.
Souvenirs
River Dancers T-shirts and hats are nice mementos of your adventure. Ask your guides at the end of your trip.
We reserve the right to use any photographs taken by our staff during any trip for commercial or educational purposes.