Upper Sacramento 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.
The Upper Sacramento River
The Sacramento is California’s largest river. Our class III run starts just a few miles below Mt Shasta.
The pace is fast and there are rapids around every bend. The scenery is impressive: the river dances through a steep, lush canyon with cascading side streams and majestic views of Castle Crags and Mt Shasta. We’ll learn about our magnificent watershed, flora, fauna, history and the geological forces forging the area.
Meeting time and place
We will meet the morning of our trip at 9am at the Sims river access, unless otherwise arranged.
Traveling on I -5, take the SIMS exit, follow the road down to the river, cross the railroad tracks and turn right onto a small dirt road just before the bridge.
Sims is about 30 minutes south of Mt. Shasta, 45 minutes north of Redding, 4 hours north of San Francisco. There are airports in Medford, OR and Redding, CA, with rental cars available.
Area map
Weather conditions
Level of difficuty
Rates, reservations and cancellation policy
Local accommodations
- Cave Springs Resort Motel & Cabins in Dunsmuir, 530-235-2721
- Best Western/ Tree House in Mt Shasta, 530-926-3101
- Cold Creek Inn in Mt Shasta, 800-292-9421
- Mount Shasta Resort in Mt Shasta, 530-926-3030
Local restaurants
- Cornerstone Bakery and Cafe in Dunsmuir, 530-235-4677
- Cafe Maddalena in Dunsmuir, 530-235-2725
- Trinity Cafe in Mt Shasta, 530-926-6200
Local campgrounds
- Sims Forest Service Campground, Sims Road, off I-5, first come-first serve.
- Castle Crags State Park off I-5, for reservation 877-444-6777, www.recreation.gov
- Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort in Mt Shasta, 888-926-2618
Complete lodging and dining information available from: Mt. Shasta Visitors Bureau 800-926-4865, Siskiyou County Visitors Bureau 877-847-8777
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
Day trips get a buffet lunch unless otherwise arranged. Half day trips get snacks and drinks only. On multi-day trips, we provide all meals, from lunch the first day through lunch the last day. We serve fresh, wholesome food, organic when available. We make every effort to accommodate your preferences; let us know if you have a special diet or have food allergies. We provide water, juice and wine with dinner. On overnight trips you may bring your own sodas or beer, if you so desire. We’ll keep them iced.
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
- 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
Do not forget to pack an extra set of dry clothes and shoes for the ride home. Please travel light, but 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.
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.


