The river
The Klamath is California's second largest
river. It is part of the "National Wild and Scenic Rivers"
system. The river was named after a tribe of Modoc Indians and
"Klamath" means "swiftness" in the Chinook language.
The unique combination of moderate rapids,
warm summer waters, superb scenery, abundant wildlife and
easy camping makes the Klamath a popular family destination.
Area map
Weather conditions
Level of difficuty
Rates, reservations
and cancellation policy
Meeting time and place
We usually meet at 9:00 am for
overnight trips, 9:30 am for day trips, unless otherwise
arranged at the Indian Creek river access, at the west end
of the town of Happy Camp. We get off the river around 4:00 PM.
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, across the street from the
Klamath Inn Motel.
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
Local accommodations
- Forest Lodge Motel, 530-493-5296
- Klamath River Resort
Inn, near Happy Camp, 530-493-2735
Campgrounds
- Tree of Heaven on Hwy 96 near I-5,
530-468-5351
- Curly Jack in Happy Camp
- Elk Creek Campground and
RV Park, in Happy Camp, 530-493-2208
Restaurants
- The Pizza House in Happy Camp, 530-
493- 5454
- Frontier Cafe in Happy Camp, 530-493-2644
For complete lodging, dining and recreation
information:
Siskiyou
County Visitor's Bureau 877-847-8777
Happy Camp
Chamber of Commerce, 530-493-2900
Happy
Camp Forest Service, 530-493-2243
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 wetsuits and paddle jackets (when needed), top-of-the-line
Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets.
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.
Inflatable Kayaks
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.
Multi-day trips
Clich here for camping
information
Tipping
If you feel your guide did an outstanding
job, a tip is a great 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
- Swimsuits and/or shorts
- T-shirt
- Tennis shoes, river sandals or river
booties
- Light weight polypropylene or capilene
top
- Lightweight rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm
If you would like to purchase some of your
own river gear, go to NRS
Camping gear
- Tent
- Ground cloth
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Change of clothes and shoes
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal toiletries and small towel