California Salmon

THE RAPIDS:
Jaw-dropping Class V whitewater–tough, technical, exhilarating

The Cal Salmon ranks as one of the most difficult rivers in California. Rapids are steep, powerful, and often long. Water bounces off the narrow walls, careening downstream with intensity. In Class V Cascade rapid, you'll blast 15' down a tight chute of frothing whitewater. A few minutes later you'll come face to face with one of the river's biggest and longest challenges: boulder-strewn Class V Freight Train Rapid! At the end of this trip, you'll know you've accomplished something extraordinary.

THE RIVER SCENERY:
Crystal-clear waters flowing through a lush, granite gorge

The Cal Salmon's steep and narrow canyon inspires as much awe as its whitewater. When you catch your breath between rapids your eyes will be greeted with lush foliage and waterfalls lilting from high cliffs on both sides of the river. The canyon's beauty is so stunning that it is protected by congress as a National Wild and Scenic River.

LOCATION:
Northern edge of California; 3 hours from Redding, 2 hours from Arcata

Six and a half hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Cal Salmon is near the California-Oregon border. Highway 96 is the closest thoroughfare.

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
April - June*

The Cal Salmon is a free-flowing river. With no upstream dams, the river depends on snowmelt for its flows. The Cal Salmon begins to run when the snow begins to melt in the mountains. Flows generally peak around Memorial Day. In most years we concentrate bookings into one weekend trip in late April. Later trips are possible for large groups, depending on flows and availability.

* Season length and flows may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

MEALS:
Freshly prepared riverside feasts

We provide a gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich along with kettle style potato chips, dried fruit, and chocolate. Enjoy your relaxing, riverside meal before heading back out on the water for more adventure.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Getting Down the River

Due to the difficulty of the upper section of this run, All-Outdoors usually runs oar-paddle combination rafts on the Cal Salmon. This effective combination of a guide with oars calling out commands to aggressive paddlers is the best way to enjoy Class V whitewater. When water levels on the upper section are lower, paddle rafts (both guides and guests navigate with paddles only) are sometimes an option. On the lower section, we often use paddle rafts. All guests should be able to swim.