California Salmon Rafting Trips

2025 Season: April - June

Trip Options: 1-Day

Who Should Go:
Very Adventurous Thrill-Seekers

Difficulty: Class V |
Most Challenging Whitewater

Meet Place: Somes Bar, CA
(6 hrs from Sacramento)

Per-Person Rate: $364

Usual Min Age: 15 years old

Northern California’s Class V Spring-Only Run

Tucked deep in the Klamath Mountains, the Cal Salmon offers nonstop whitewater, stunning scenery, and true backcountry adventure.

Powerful, technical Class IV-V rapids with names like Cascade and Freight Train

Crystal-clear water carving through a remote granite gorge

Lush riverbanks, side waterfalls, and soaring evergreen forest

A spring-only Wild & Scenic River with limited access each year

The California Salmon delivers a full day of high-adrenaline adventure in a pristine, little-known river canyon that’s well worth the drive.

California Salmon 1-Day Rafting Trip

Trip Pricing

$364 All Departures

Book Now

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.

More about the California Salmon River

Getting There

Before You Go

The River

Typical Season

Meals on the River

Rafting Specials

GETTING THERE

Meet Place for California Salmon River Trips

Oak Bottom River Access
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.

Meet Time

9:00 am for most trips

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.

Where to Stay / Points of Interest

Local Information

Driving Directions to the California Salmon River

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).
Oak Bottom River Access is located 2.3 miles from Hwy 96. If you cross the bridge, you went 1.5 miles 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.

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I Simply Loved Every Part!

“There is no way to fully thank the All-Outdoors Team enough. What kind, fun, and enthusiastic people who run such a cohesive group. Me and my 5 person crew could not have been more pleased about going with them, and frankly I wouldn't go with any other company. They are people-focused and communicative while helping you to have fun (safely). Taking the 2 Day trip was definitely the way to go. I simply loved every part of the experience. Your team is the best!”

-Lauren from Carson City, NV

An Unforgettable Adventure

"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible rafting experience we had with your company. From start to finish, everything was exceptionally well-organized, and the entire team was professional, friendly, and attentive. Our guides made sure we were safe while ensuring we had an exhilarating adventure. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to the overall experience, making it both fun and educational. The entire trip was an unforgettable adventure."

-Tatiana from Newbury Park, CA

Superior Service With All-Outdoors

"Service has always been superior with All-Outdoors. I’ve been booking my water rafting trips with them for the past 5 years. What makes the experience great is that they’re attentive to questions, handle first timers well, no hiccups when we arrive, and the employees seem genuinely happy to be there. The equipment is in good shape and I feel safe and the guides are capable and personable. The grounds are well kept and it’s an all out good time. I’d recommend from a novice to an experienced rafter."

-Makinya from San Leandro, CA

The Entire Event Was Impeccably Organized

"We brought a team of 30 people and it was an absolute blast. The entire event was impeccably organized, leaving me worry-free from start to finish. Communication was outstanding throughout the planning process, ensuring a seamless experience. I can't say enough good things about All-Outdoors and their staff. Their dedication to ensuring their guests have a great time is evident in every aspect of the experience."

-Michele from Sunnyvale, CA

The Only Rafting Company You Will Ever Need

"The Best Time Ever!!! All-Outdoors is the only rafting company you will ever need! The office staff is so kind, helpful, and communicative, and the guides are always top notch! This is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for an adventurous and fun outing. Our guides- Emma, Sam, and Wyatt- are so knowledgeable, kind, personable, and made everyone feel so cared for and safe. I truly cannot recommend All-Outdoors enough!"

-Elise from Novato, CA

I Have Used AO for Over 25 Years on 5 Different Rivers

"I have used All-Outdoors for over 25 years on about 5 different rivers (family, company, couples and even a bachelor party) and give them the highest recommendation. The guides are very professional and experienced and safety and fun are paramount in their minds. Cherry Creek has to be one of the most thrilling and beautiful rivers in the United States. It is hard to find a more exhilarating and memorable one day rafting trip."

-David from Danville, CA

What a Memorable Experience for Our 6 Kids

"If you want adventure in California, this needs to be on your list… What a memorable experience for our 6 kids. Unbelievable, adventure-filled experiences for life. AO was super accommodating, custom tailored, the guides were freaking amazing! Make sure you book with them."

-Ely from Fairfield, CA

Amazing!

"Would give 10 stars! The online booking process was easy and they checked in with us a couple times before the trip. Our guide Tyler was the best! Funny and informative, gave clear expectations and instructions. The actual rafting experience was so much fun! Everyone that went agreed that we'll need to do this again soon!"

-Ron from Oroville, CA

I Highly Recommend for Work Events

"I came for a two-day work retreat and loved it. It was a women's retreat and what a joy to have powerful, smart, personable female guides. They made the trip enjoyable and safe. The South Fork is a great introduction to rafting. I had the opportunity to chat with the owner Scott and he is such a nice guy, really invested in making the experience great for the guests. I highly recommend this company for work events as well as everybody else."

-Rebecca from Pleasanton, CA

Read & Write Reviews

California Salmon Rafting Trips

Northern California’s Class V Spring-Only Run