Cal Salmon River Trip Information

The river
The “Cal Salmon”, so called to distinguish it from the Salmon River of Idaho offers some of the best whitewater in the West. Discover unparalleled beauty; sparkling green waters rampaging through majestically sculptured granite walls in a series of exhilarating class IV and V rapids. Prepare for a very challenging run. You’ll experience big drops, long steep gradients, violent currents, big waves, holes big enough to hold or flip a boat.
Good fitness level, spirit, courage and wisdom are a must.

Meeting time and place
We usually meet the first morning of our trip at 9am at the Nordheimer campground on the Salmon river. 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 Mt. 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.

Click here for Trip Registration Form in handy pdf version to print.
Liability Release Form in handy pdf version to print.

Area map
Weather conditions
Level of difficulty
Rates, reservations and cancellation policy

Complete lodging and dining information available from: Siskiyou County Visitors’ Bureau,  877-847-8777, Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce,  530-493-2900

TRIP INFORMATION
Safety
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.

Equipment
We supply the finest river equipment, including  self-bailing rafts, top-of-the-line Coast Guard approved life jackets & helmets, wtsuits and paddle jackets when needed.

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.

Multi-day trips
Click here for camping information

Tipping
If you feel your guide did a great job, a tip is the perfect 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.

WHAT TO BRING
On the River
You will be getting wet! Wool or synthetic work best for cooler weather trips. Avoid cotton that dries slowly and has no insulating value.
- Wetsuit …if you do not have one, we will supply one to you, free of charge
- Swimsuits and shorts
- Tennis shoes or river sandals
- Wool, fleece or polypropylene socks
- Polypropylene or capilene top
- Long sleeve fleece top
- Lightweight rain gear
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm

Overnight camping trips
The success of a camping trip and your personal level of comfort hinge on good planning and preparedness. However, boat space is limited. Please travel light, bring only what you feel is necessary, but come ready for any conditions.
You will need:
- 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 or batteries
- Binoculars
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Insect repellent, medication

If you would like to purchase some of your own river gear, go to NRS

We reserve the right to use any photographs taken by our staff during any trip for commercial or educational purposes.