California Salmon

Travel Info for the California Salmon

Meet Place for California Salmon River Trips

Brannon Bar River Access / Wooley Creek Trailhead
Salmon River Rd
Somes Bar, CA 95568

For local information call Orleans Ranger District: (530) 627-3291

Note: If you plan to use a GPS navigation system or online mapping service, please use in conjunction with the driving directions we provide below.

Meet Time: 9:00 am

All-Outdoors Cal-Salmon trips usually start at 9:00 am, but keep in mind that meet times may vary. Please refer to the information sent to you in your Trip Confirmation email, check with your group’s organizer, or contact our office. Plan to be on time; guests that arrive late may miss their trip.

Driving Directions to the California Salmon

The fastest route from the San Francisco Bay Area is I-5 to Hwy 299

  • From I-5 North in Redding take Exit # 678 to merge onto Hwy 44 West.
  • Turn right onto Hwy 273 North/Pine St. Take the 1st left onto Hwy 273 North/Eureka Way (signs for Weaverville/CA-299 W).
  • Continue straight on Hwy 299 West.
  • In Willow Creek turn right onto Hwy 96 East.
  • Just before the town of Somes Bar turn right onto Salmon River Rd (parallels the Salmon River).
  • Brannon Bar River Access is located approximately 3.5 miles from Hwy 96. Park in the Wooley Creek Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. If you cross the bridge, you went ¼ of a mile too far. Look for an All-Outdoors guide or a notice on the bulletin board.

Other possible routes:
From the coast - Hwy 101 to Hwy 299 East (at Arcata) to Hwy 96 East (at Willow Creek)
From Oregon - I-5 South to Hwy 96 West (north of Yreka)

We encourage you to print and use our driving directions and not rely strictly on GPS navigation. GPS / cellular service is limited to nonexistent in outlying areas.

Map

Driving Distances and Times to Meeting Place From:

San Francisco to Redding: 220 mi/ 3.5 hrs
San Francisco to Arcata: 280 mi/ 5 hrs
Medford, OR to Hwy 96 jct near Yreka: 40 mi/ 40 min
Redding to Somes Bar: 145 mi/ 3 hrs
Arcata to Somes Bar: 85 mi/ 2 hrs
Yreka to Somes Bar: 105 mi/ 2.5 hrs
Happy Camp to Somes Bar: 40 mi/ 1 hr
Orleans to Somes Bar: 8 mi/12 min

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!

Accommodations

Hotels and B&B's

Please note that due to the remote location of our meet place, the number and quality of nearby accommodations is limited.

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. Enjoy their private sandy beach and swimming hole access on Pearch Creek. About 20 minutes from the AO meet place.

Coho Cottages:
Willow Creek, (530) 629-4000

Enjoy luxury cabins in the small town of Willow Creek, about 70 minutes away from the AO meet place. The 6 cottages have modern accommodations including TV and wifi. Each cottage has its own private outdoor area with porches and BBQ area.

Klamath River Lodge:
Orleans, (925) 984-7147

Situated on scenic Highway 96 just south of the town of Orleans, there are 3 cabins and 1 lodge apartment that can accommodate up to 8 people. Full kitchenette, pool, croquet, and fishing opportunities along the nearby Klamath River. About 20 minutes from the AO meet place.

Hampton Inn and Suites:
Arcata, (707) 822-5896

This hotel is located near the Hwy 101 and Hwy 299 junction making it a convenient overnight spot for guests coming from the coast. You can enjoy their complimentary breakfast and beverage areas, snack shop, fitness center and indoor pool. About 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the AO meet place.

Americana Modern Hotel:
Redding, (530) 722-4950

Located on the I-5 and Hwy 299 junction, about halfway between the Bay Area and the AO meet place, Redding is a good choice for those guests wanting to split their driving evenly between the day before and day off the rafting trip. This downtown hotel was recently renovated and offers large rooms with all the modern amenities. About 3 hours and 15 minutes from the AO meet place.

Campgrounds

Nordheimer Campground:
in Six Rivers National Forest: Ranger District (530) 627-3291

This beautiful and secluded campground is in the heart of the Salmon River whitewater area and is only about 20 minutes from the AO meet place. There are 12 first come, first served sites. Vault toilets and no potable water. Group sites require a reservation.

Oak Bottom Campground:
in Six Rivers National Forest: Ranger District (530) 627-3291

Located along the Salmon River and less than 5 minutes away from the AO meet place, this campground contains 26 reservable tent sites. Vault toilet and drinking water available. The small town of Somes Bar is only 2.5 miles away.

Klamath Riverside RV Park:
Orleans, (530) 627-3239

Enjoy a rustic stay at this RV Park nestled between the Bigfoot Scenic Byway and the Klamath River. There are 35 full-hook up sites and tent camping sites also. Amenities include a country store, water, electricity, on-site showers and laundry room. About 15 minutes to the AO meet place.

Local Information

River Conditions
(Real Time)

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

Local Weather

The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.

Seasonal patterns do exist. In April and May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees). Night temperatures can range from the low 60's to the low 70's.

Even though these patterns exist, it is not uncommon to get a 90 degree day in May and a breezy, rainy day in June or July. It is always important to bring sun protection and cold weather gear to the river. You can decide which is most appropriate once you have arrived

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

California Salmon Somes Bar, CA

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