Klamath River Rafting Trip Planning

Meeting Time and Place

Where: Indian Creek River Access in Happy Camp, CA, west end of town, first left after crossing the Indian Creek bridge.
When: 9:00 a.m. for overnight trips
Take-out Time: Around 3:00 p.m. on the final day.

Map It

Traveling north on I-5: Take the third Yreka exit (the sign says Yreka Montague), turn left under the freeway. At the stop sign, turn right onto Highway 263. In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll come to Highway 96, (Klamath River Highway). Turn left. Happy Camp is about 60 miles. The river put-in is at the west end of town, first left after crossing the Indian Creek bridge.

From the Coast: Take Highway 299 east to Willow Creek. Turn left onto Highway 96. Happy Camp is about 90 miles.

Driving time: 2 hrs from Mt Shasta, 6 hrs from Sacramento, 7 hrs from the Bay Area, 2 1/2 hrs from Medford, OR

What To Bring

Summers in northern California are usually hot and dry. Occasional thunderstorms do occur, however. Be prepared for possible cooler and/or damp weather.

For Day Trips Only, Bring:

  • Swimsuits or shorts
  • Tennis shoes, river sandals or river booties
  • Polypropylene, capilene or other synthetic top
  • Fleece top
  • Lightweight rain gear
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with straps
  • Sunscreen and lip balm

For Multi-Day Trips, Also Bring:

  • Compact tent
  • Ground cloth
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Change of clothes and shoes
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and small towel

Optional

  • Phone / Camera w/ waterproof container
  • Spare glasses and sunglasses and contact lenses
  • Insect repellent
  • Beverages – we serve juice with lunch, red wine with dinner. If you wish to have sodas or beer, bring them along, we will keep them on ice for you.
  • Some extra cash if you want to tip your guides. They appreciate it!

Please do not bring any valuables. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items

The success of a camping trip and your personal level of comfort hinge on good planning and preparedness.

Multi-day trips are pack-in trips and boat space is limited. Please travel light, bring only what you feel is necessary, but come ready for any conditions.

We supply waterproof bags for sleeping gear and all personal items.

When you meet us at the river, the first morning of the trip, please, have your gear organized, so that we can pack, load the boats and depart promptly.

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
  • Food, snacks and meals
  • Inflatable Kayaks, if requested

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

On day trips we serve a buffet lunch. On multi-day trips 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 are on a special diet or have food allergies. We serve wine with dinner. Bring your own beer and/or sodas. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.

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. You may have exclusive use of a kayak for $10/day.

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

Summers in northern California are usually hot and dry. Occasional thunderstorms do occur, however. Do be prepared for possible cooler and/or damp weather. In May and June, weather can be cool especially at night. Plan for hot and cold temperatures.

Accommodations

Local Camping

Local Lodging

Restaurants

  • The Pizza House in Happy Camp, 530-493-5454

Tipping

If you feel your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation.

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