Cal Salmon River Trip Information   Click here for our Trip Registration Form in handy pdf version to print.
Liability Release Form in handy pdf version to print.
   

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.

Coming 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.

Coming 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.

Coming 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.

Driving time: from Mt. Shasta, 2 1/2 to 3 hours, from the Bay area, 7 hours.
 
You'll find gas, telephone and food in Forks of Salmon and Orleans.

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.

Click here for our Liability Release Form in handy pdf version to print

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

Food & Beverages
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.

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
On the river
- Wetsuit ...if you do not have one, we'll supply one to you, free of charge
- Swimsuits or shorts
- Tennis shoes or river booties
- Wool, fleece or polypropylene socks
- Polypropylene or capilene top
- Fleece top or jacket
- Lightweight rain gear
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm

Do not forget to pack an extra set of dry clothes and shoes for the ride home or camp. Please bring what you need to be warm and comfortable in any weather conditions.

You will be getting wet! Wool or synthetic work best for cooler weather trips. Avoid cotton that dries slowly and has no insulating value.

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

 Camping gear. This is a car camping trip. You may indulge and bring whatever you'd like and need to be comfortable
 - Tent
 - Ground cloth
 - Sleeping bag
 - Sleeping pad
 - Change of clothes and shoes
 - Flashlight with spare batteries
 - Personal toiletries and small towel
 - Extra clothing

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.

Optional
- Camera with extra film
- Binoculars
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Insect repellent

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