Meeting Time and Place
Where: Sims River Access
When: 9:00 a.m. or as otherwise arranged.
Take-out Time: 1/2 day: 12:30-1:00 p.m.; Full Day: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Traveling on I-5: Take the SIMS exit, follow the road down to the river, cross the railroad tracks, turn right onto a small dirt road just before the bridge. If you get to the campground, you went too far.
Driving time: Sims is about 30 minutes south of Mt. Shasta, 45 minutes north of Redding, 4 hours north of San Francisco.
What To Bring
Definitely Bring:
- Swimsuits or shorts
- Tennis shoes, river sandals or river booties
- Wool, fleece or polypropylene socks
- Polypropylene, capilene or other synthetic top
- Long sleeve wool or fleece top
- Lightweight rain gear
- Wool or fleece hat, sun hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Insect repellent
- Some extra cash if you want to tip your guides. They appreciate it! 10-15% is standard.
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.
What We Bring
- Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets
- Wetsuits and paddle jackets when needed
- Dry bags for your personal gear
- First Aid
- River Rescue Equipment
- Drinking Water
- Lunch and snacks
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.
Food
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. Please bring your own sodas, beer, or wine if you so desire.
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.
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
The Upper Sacramento is a spring rafting river. Spring time can be hot or cool, sunny or wet. Be prepared for any weather! We will provide wetsuits and paddle jackets if needed.
Tipping
A tip is a great way to show your appreciation to your guide. Recommended gratuity: 15% of trip cost. Thank you!
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.