Klamath River Rafting Trip Information

Klamath River Rafting
The Klamath is California’s second largest river. It is part of the “National Wild and Scenic Rivers” system. The river was named after a tribe of Modoc Indians and “Klamath” means “swiftness” in the Chinook language. The unique combination of moderate rapids, warm summer waters, superb scenery, abundant wildlife and easy camping makes the Klamath a popular family rafting destination.

Meeting time and place
We usually meet at 9:00 am for overnight trips, 9:30 am for day trips, unless otherwise arranged at the Indian Creek river access, at the west end of the town of Happy Camp. We get off the river around 4:00 PM.
Traveling north on I-5, take the third Yreka exit (the sign says Yreka Montague), turn left under the freeway. At the stop sign, turn right onto Highway 263. In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll come to Highway 96, (Klamath River Highway). Turn left. Happy Camp is about 60 miles. The river put-in is at the west end of town, across the street from the Klamath Inn Motel.
From the Coast, take Highway 299 east to Willow Creek. Turn left onto Highway 96. Happy Camp is about 90 miles.

Driving time: 2 hrs from Mt Shasta, 6 hrs from Sacramento, 7 hrs from the Bay Area, 2 1/2 hrs from Medford, OR

Map to meeting location
Weather conditions
Level of difficulty
Rates, reservations and cancellation policy

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

Local accommodations
- Forest Lodge Motel, 530-493-5296
- Klamath River Resort Inn, near Happy Camp, 530-493-2735

Campgrounds
- Tree of Heaven on Hwy 96 near I-5, to reserve a site
- Curly Jack in Happy Camp, first come first serve, 530-493-2243
- Elk Creek Campground and RV Park, in Happy Camp, 530-493-2208

Restaurants
- The Pizza House in Happy Camp, for reservations
- Frontier Cafe in Happy Camp, 530-493-2644

For complete lodging, dining and recreation information:
Siskiyou County Visitor’s Bureau 877-847-8777
Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce, 530-493-2900
Happy Camp Forest Service, 530-493-2243

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 wetsuits and paddle jackets (when needed), top-of-the-line Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets.

Inflatable kayaks
Our self-bailing inflatable kayaks are one-person rafts, very stable, easy to paddle and immense fun. At safe water levels, we bring a few to share on our class II and III runs. You may have exclusive use of a kayak for $10/day.

Food
On day trips we serve a buffet lunch. On multi-day trips 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 are on a special diet or have food allergies. We serve wine with dinner. Bring your own beer and/or sodas. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.

Multi-day trips
Click here for camping 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.

WHAT TO BRING
Summers in northern California are usually hot and dry. Occasional thunderstorms do occur, however. Do be prepared for possible cooler and/or damp weather.
You will need:
- Swimsuits or shorts
- Tennis shoes, river sandals or river booties
- Polypropylene, capilene or other synthetic top
- Fleece top
- Lightweight rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm

Please do not bring any valuables. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items.

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.

Most of our multi-day camping adventures are pack-in trips. A raft will carry all our gear, food and personal baggage. We supply waterproof bags for sleeping gear and all personal items. When you meet us at the river, the first morning of the trip, please, have your gear organized, so that we can pack, load the boats and depart promptly.

- 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
- Beverages – we serve juice with lunch, red wine with dinner. If you wish to have sodas or beer, bring them along, we will keep them on ice for you.

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

We can assist you in renting top quality gear if you desire. If you don’t have your own tent, sleeping bags and sleeping pads (or if you don’t wish to pack and tote your own along), we recommend renting what you need from our local mountaineering shop, The Fifth Season. Prices are reasonable, and the gear is exceptionally high quality. Reserve your gear by phone or fax…call them at 530-926-3606. We can even pick up your rental order and have it waiting for you at put-in when we start your trip. Contact us for details – 800-926-5002 or e-mail: rafting@riverdancers.com.

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