Person
$ 220
Raft through the “West’s Best” Whitewater
We are very excited about this trip! Because of the logistics involved after dam removal, we are not able to offer the Hell’s Corner run in a day trip format. But without the dams we can move further downriver and make the logistics work in an incredible 2 day river trip. This will require smaller, lighter boats with 4 paddlers maximum. We will have a seasonal camp set up at our previous lunch site. We love this spot. There will be lots to do at this camp and we will try to get in early for appetizers and relaxation. Day 1 will be from Spring Island downriver to Frain Ranch where we will have lunch. After lunch camp will be the next stop. Day 2 will start early to finish the Hell’s Corner section and move into the old Copco Reservoir footprint now called Kikaceki Valley. This will be an opportunity to see the river heal itself year after year. Our last lunch of the trip will be in this area. The finale will be an incredible float through Kikaceki Canyon (class 4+) for a wild ride and spectacular scenery. The take-out will be immediately after Kikaceki Canyon at Fall Creek access.
The Upper Klamath River area is full of history of our forefathers and the native American Indians. Many log structures and artifacts are still present. There is an abundance of wildlife with frequent sightings of the majestic bald eagle, flocks of wild geese, and deer foraging the hillsides. Add to this the paralleling Oregon/California wagon and stagecoach trail, the hot spring resort ghost town of Beswick, riverside caves, high-rising multi-colored bluffs, and groves of pine, cedar, and juniper, laced together with occasional meadows shaded by tan oak and alder trees. This 14 mile stretch of the Upper Klamath River is, without a doubt, the “WEST’S BEST” whitewater adventure from March through October.
TRIP REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age of 11-13 years, based on size and experience. All must be in reasonable good health, able to paddle, smile and get some major splashes to the face!
HELL’S CORNER GORGE: Named after the unscrupulous and allusive stagecoach robbers who would hide out in this area after their bad deeds.
IN RECENT YEARS, the Upper Klamath has been applauded by several national magazines and tour guides as “one of the ultimate whitewater trips in the country today — a must do for all whitewater enthusiasts.”
For some more information on the Upper Klamath and damn removal process take a look at some recent coverage:
– JPR interview with owner Bart
– NPR interviews
– Statesman Journal Podcast.
– News 10
– Last Ride in Hells Corner: Rafters savor final season on Upper Klamath before dam removal
*** Warning: The Upper Klamath has been known to cause serious whitewater addiction.