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California Salmon River Rafting > Travel Details

RIVER & TRIP OPTIONS MAPS & TRAVEL DETAILS PRICING
Trip Details for California Salmon Rafting Trips
Advanced Class V

Directions, What to bring & Where to stay:
Use the following links (or scroll down the page) for the information you are looking for!

Maps & Directions:

Meet Place

Nordheimer Campground in Klamath National Forest
Ukonom Ranger District: (530) 627-3291

Meet Time: 9:00am
All-Outdoors Cal-Salmon trips usually start at 9:00 am, but keep in mind that meet times may vary. Please confirm your meet time and place with your group trip leader or contact our office.

Driving Directions

Map

(Consider using a California map in conjunction with this map).
Nordheimer Campground is located east of Hwy 96 near the small town of Somes Bar.

From Hwy 101 (via Hwy 299 near Eureka), Hwy 5 near Yreka, or Hwy 299 at Redding: take Hwy 96 towards the Salmon River. Approximately 1/4 mile south of the town of Somes Bar, turn east off of Hwy 96 onto Salmon River Rd (parallels the Salmon River). Nordheimer Campground is located 13 miles from Hwy 96 on the left. At the campground entrance, look for an All-Outdoors guide or a notice on the bulletin board.

Drive Times and Distances:


San Francisco to Eureka: 270 mi/ 5 hrs
San Francisco to Yreka: 310 mi/ 6 hrs
San Francisco to Redding: 220 mi/ 4.5 hrs
Eureka to Somes Bar: 90 mi/ 2 hrs
Yreka to Somes Bar: 120 mi/ 2 hrs
Redding to Somes Bar: 220 mi/ 3 hrs
Happy Camp to Somes Bar: 40 mi/ 1 hr

These are approximate mileages and driving times and do not take into account any delays or stops. Please allow a little extra time to assure correct arrival time to the meeting place. Thank you!

 

General Information:

What's Included


  • Professional Guide, instruction, and equipment (April through mid-June, see Wetsuit Information for added rental cost.)
  • Delicious fresh meals
  • River shuttle by bus to and from the meet place for your trip

What to Bring


  • Personal medicine
  • Change of clothing for ride home
  • Waterproof sunblock, sunglasses with strap, hat, visor (optional)

What to Wear


  • Swimsuit
  • Wetsuit (required on all Cal-Salmon trips. See Wetsuit Information for added rental cost.)
  • Quick drying shorts to wear over wetsuit is recommended for more comfort
  • Athletic shoes that are lace-up, no slip-ons or thongs 
  • Long-sleeve shirt and pants for added sun protection and/or extra layering
  • Wool or fleece sweater/jacket or waterproof jacket

While on the river, you need little other than your river attire. There is limited space available in a water-resistant bag for additional items, such as rain gear or medication, that you might need during the day (no towels, please). This bag is usually available only during the lunch stop and at camp.

Additional Items for Overnight Trips:
On California Salmon 2-Day trips we stay at a "car access" campsite, which means that your car is conveniently parked close to our group site and vault toilets and running water are available. Therefore, you can bring as many items you feel necessary for camping. Your river attire should be packed separately so you can change into it at the meet place or put-in.

Camp clothes: one pair of pants, shirt, dry shorts, jacket, dry shoes and socks, sturdy sandals
Camping gear: sleeping bag, pad, ground cloth, tent (recommended), toiletry items, insect repellent, headlamp or flashlight
Optional items for downtime at camp: journal, book, deck of cards, collapsible fishing gear in container

Please Do Not Bring:
Expensive watch, jewelry, radio, pets, or camera without water protection. Please note that storage of keys, wallets, and other valuables is the participant's responsibility.

River Conditions (Real Time)

Real-time flow information is available for the California Salmon River on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather


The California Salmon's proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it susceptible to quick changes in weather and temperature. Cold rain (and even snow) frequently occur in April and early May. Although late May and early June typically offer hot days, cold storms may suddenly and unexpectedly blow in from the North Pacific. Always bring sun protection and cold weather rafting and camping gear, especially a tent, when traveling "up north" for a river trip.

For specific questions, contact our Reservations office at (800) 247-2387.

Accommodations:

Campgrounds

Nordheimer Campground in Klamath National Forest: Ranger District (530) 627-3291
This beautiful and secluded campground is in the heart of the Salmon River whitewater area and is the meet place for our Cal-Salmon rafting trips.  There are 12 family sites with grills, water, and garbage pickup.

Marble Mountain Ranch: Somes Bar, (800) KLAMATH (552-6284)
This full service lodge offers furnished deluxe homes, cottages, full RV hookups, and group campgrounds.  Their Klamath River cottages and homes vary in size and can accommodate groups as large as eight.  The group campsites have free access to a central shower house and laundry facilities.  During their peak season, all guests enjoy home style meals consisting of baked breads, deserts, salads, vegetables fresh from the garden, and select meats smoked and roasted over native hardwoods.  Located about 30 minutes from the AO meet place. 

Elk Creek Campground: Happy Camp, (530) 493-2208
Located in the northern part of the Klamath National Forest, this accommodation offers tent camping, full service RV hookup sites, and cabin rentals. About an hour and a half from the AO meet place.

Hotels and B&B's

Sandy Bar Ranch: Orleans, (530) 627-3379
Enjoy wilderness and seclusion at this Ranch located along the Klamath River.  Cabin rentals are available which can accommodate up to four people.  Each cabin has a covered outdoor deck and a fully equipped kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. About 11 minutes from the AO meet place.

Forest Lodge Motel: Happy Camp, (530) 493-5296
Conveniently located off of scenic Hwy 96, this Motel offers 15 guest rooms, some of which can fit up to four people.  Each room includes cable TV, microwave, small refrigerator, and Queen bed.  Nearby activities include fishing, biking and hiking trails.  Less than an hour from the AO meet place.

Super 8 Motel: Eureka, (707) 443-3193
Standard rooms and some suites are available at this AAA approved location.  Amenities include Internet access, TV/HBO, complimentary continental breakfast, heated indoor pool and sauna.  About an hour and fifty minutes from AO meet place.

Best Western Miners Inn: Yreka, (530) 842-4355 or (800) 444-1320
Conveniently located in downtown Yreka, this Inn offers 150 guest rooms and 2-bedroom apartment suites with kitchenettes.  Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, Internet access, and cable TV.  About an hour and fifty minutes from the AO meet place. 

Campton House Inn: Eureka, (707) 443-1601 or (800) 772-1622
This family owned and operated Inn is located in the heart of Eureka and offers 3 bedrooms, each decorated in American Arts and Crafts style.  Each room contains a Queen size bed, TV, and telephone. Amenities also include afternoon tea and continental breakfast.  If you have some additional time to spend in the area, the historic Carson Mansion is located just next door as well as other close by antique shops and restaurants.  About 2 hours from the AO meet place.

Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn: Eureka, (707) 443-2234 or (800) 521-6996
Centrally located in Eureka, this accommodation offers 108 guests rooms and some family suites, on-site restaurant with room service, and modern facilities.  Some amenities includes Internet, complimentary continental breakfast, TV/HBO, coffee/tea maker, and telephone.  Guests can also enjoy the heated year-round indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, game room with pool table, and garden area.  About 2 hours from the AO meet place.

Abigail's Elegant Victorian Mansion: Eureka, (707) 444-3144
This National Historic Landmark is a great place to stay if you're looking for a historic experience and luxurious accommodations.  This bed and breakfast is well known for its beautiful gingerbread style exterior and period Victorian furnishings inside.  Each room has been restored and is decorated with period antiques and discreet additions of modern conveniences.  Guests can also enjoy the use of bicycles, croquet, and a sauna.  Less than 2 hours from AO meet place.

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