California White Water Rafting Trips and River Information
Lower Klamath River Rafting Guided Trips
Upper Klamath River Rafting Guided Trips
River Description / Natural History
California's Lower Klamath is famous for white water rafting trips. It is one of the longest alpine rivers in the United States. Its warm water, fun rapids, relatively easy access, excellent camping, rich history, and exceptional scenery combine to create one of the best western rivers for a multi-day river journey. In fact, these characteristics inspired Congress to protect the Klamath as a Wild and Scenic river, a status it has held for nearly twenty years.
The Klamath runs through and around several mountain ranges, including the coastal Siskiyous, the Marble Mountains, and the Trinity Alps. In addition to being an exceptionally beautiful backdrop for the Klamath River Journey, these ranges also help stop coastal weather patterns from reaching the Klamath. Surprisingly, given the Klamath’s proximity to the coast, the river canyon is generally hot and dry, with weather that is ideal for summer river trips. In addition, these mountains serve as an enormous watershed and drainage for the Klamath, resulting in strong river flows that render the river runnable virtually all year long. By the time the Klamath reaches the ocean, its flows can match those of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Human history on the Klamath dates back to a time when Modoc Indians called the Klamath River area (chinook for “swiftness”) home. The Modoc lived comfortably along the shores of the Klamath as the fish running upstream from the ocean provided a plentiful food supply. In particular, the Karuk tribe has lived for generations along the banks of the upper reaches of the Klamath. In fact, Karuk means “upriver people.” Today, the Karuk continue traditional activities such as basket making and ceremonial rituals. A few times a year private Karuk ceremonies result in certain sections of the Klamath being closed to outsiders.
The gold rush that would forever change the face of California forever changed as well the face of the Klamath. Beginning in the 1850’s, dams, dredges, and other mining operations impacted the Klamath, as miners took whatever steps necessary to unearth the sparkling treasure. The sedimentation and blocking of the river from mining efforts severely reduced the fish population, and the Modoc begin to leave the area. Other human impacts continued to change the Klamath. Upstream dams and downstream logging took their toll on the Klamath fisheries and wildlife throughout the 1900’s. However, in 1980, the Klamath was added to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, eliminating the possibility of further degradation to the river. As a result of this legislation, the Lower Klamath river is once again a healthy and wildlife-rich waterway.
A variety of wildlife call the Klamath canyon home, including bear, deer, otter, osprey, and blue heron. There is one creature that we have yet to spot, but is believed to call this region home: Bigfoot. Legend has it that this behemoth animal has been spotted several times in this area over the last 100 or so years. While we probably won’t see this creature, almost every Klamath trip provides several glimpses of the other wildlife of this region.
The spectacular, quiet nature of the Klamath canyon is well reflected with Ukonom Creek, a side-canyon stream that we visit on each trip. Ukonom winds several miles from the high alpine country to its confluence with the Klamath. On our Ukonom side hike we walk and wade up the creek 3/4 of a mile from the river to the base of Ukonom Falls, twin 30’ cascades that fall into an idyllic crystal clear pool. A highlight of every trip, this optional hike requires participants to scramble over boulders, wade and swim in cool water, and hike along a narrow, sinewy trail. The rewards of reaching the falls and exploring the creek are well worth the effort.
When you add the history, wildlife, and geology to the fact that the Klamath waters are among the most enjoyable in the west, you are left with a river that is satisfying to all. Nearby Highway 96 provides easy access to the river, yet remains largely unnoticed throughout the entire trip as rafters sit deep in the Klamath canyon.
Written by Bill Cross, from Western Whitewater