California Salmon

ADVANCED - CLASS V

Explore California Salmon Rafting Trips

Typical Season: April - June. More

The California Salmon River is one of the best and most difficult spring whitewater rafting runs. Experienced rafters eagerly travel to the northern corner of the state for this river’s outstanding whitewater and temperate rainforest scenery.

 

Are You Ready For Class 5 Rafting?

Difficulty & Scenery

  • Advanced Class V
  • Commanding, tumultuous rapids
  • Sheer cliffs, numerous waterfalls

Who Should Go

  • Veteran rafters
  • Those practicing for Cherry Creek
  • Usual min. age: 15

Trips Include

  • Pro guide & instruction
  • Equipment & shuttle
  • Fresh, delicious lunch

Trip Planning



California Salmon 1-Day Rafting Trip Options

One full day of advanced rafting inside a sheer-cliff canyon within a scenic temperate rain forest

Heavy Class IV+ and Class V rafting
12 miles
Lunch included

California Salmon
1-Day Trip Pricing

$339 All Departures

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Cancellation Policy

Sample Itinerary

  • Meet in the morning, near Somes Bar
  • Sign-in, instruction
  • Class IV & V rapids
  • Riverside lunch
  • Class IV & V rapids
  • Class III-IV rapids
  • Take-out, shuttle
  • Trip ends mid-afternoon to late afternoon

Your trip begins like a bullet with Class IV+ Bloomer Falls, The Maze, and Lewis Creek Falls coming in a rapid succession. The canyon walls constrict tightly as we descend into this National Wild & Scenic River canyon. As the morning ends, we break for lunch just before one of the most challenging Class V sections of the river.

Last Chance and Freight Train rapids serve as a vivid reminder of the power of this awesome run. The final part of the day is spent on the lower section, where the river mellows some and allows for moments of relaxation and reflection.

The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.

California Salmon River Rafting Map

More About the California Salmon

Rapids on the California Salmon River

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.

Scenery on California Salmon River

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.

Located in Northern California, 2 hrs from Arcata

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.


 
The rafting season on the California Salmon River

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

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.

How You Participate in Rafting the River

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.

Highly Recommended with Great Reviews

All-Outdoors is the most recommended whitewater rafting outfitter in California. See for yourself:

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Big Wave Heaven

"This trip is definitely worth the extra effort and time to get to put in. The All-Outdoors crew is fantastic taking care of every detail and providing top flight hospitality. If you like big waves, fast, challenging rapids, and incredible scenery, this is the trip for you. It is a must on my calendar."

Senior John from Browns Valley, CA

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Deals & Discounts

Start here to find the best possible deal for your next California whitewater rafting adventure. Please note that only one discount can be applied per person and must be mentioned at the time of reservation.

Group Discount

There are a variety of discounts for group rafting trips. All types of groups are welcome!

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Youth Discount

Youth 17 years or younger receive a 10% discount on any trip on any date!


Frequent Floater Program ®

You earn a FREE day of rafting with our exclusive Frequent Floater Program!®


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