Whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking on Northern California’s Klamath River is an outstanding wilderness journey— a perfect summer vacation for singles, families, friends and groups. We provide oar boats for those who want to relax and take it all, paddleboats for group camaraderie and participation, self-bailing inflatable kayaks for those who desire adventurous
solo encounters with the river
The Klamath is simply one of the most beautiful rivers in the
western United States. It cuts through a stunning canyon and offers
challenging technical rapids interspersed with long, warm, swimmable sections of tranquil water and mild riffles. The Klamath lies in one of the greatest
concentrations of wilderness in the continental United States
and there is an abundance of wildlife to view as we float downstream.
Osprey, great blue herons, and bald eagles soar overhead and black
bear and cavorting river otters are commonly seen along the river
banks.
And in the evenings, you'll have the opportunity to dine on our
renowned wilderness gourmet fare which has for 47 years satisfied
the most discriminating palate. On our Special Theme Trips you’ll
be able to listen to taste the wines
of our celebrated winemakers.
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"Thank you for a great, adventurous, wet, fun, adrenaline-lined, personal sauna, yummy trip."
—Paul Rerucha |
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2020
SPECIAL
INTEREST TRIP DEPARTURES: |
Family Adventure Trip
#1 July 23-25
#2 July 29-31
Adults, $825; Youth, $700
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Whitewater;
For Novices and Seasoned Boaters; 3 days of rafting. |
OVERVIEW: |
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Paddlerafts,
Oar boats, and inflatable kayaks. optional hiking, low elevations,
warm to hot climate, tent camping. Individuals are welcome from
age 7 up. There is no upper limit on age. |
ADDITIONAL
DEPARTURES |
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Additional dates for group charters are available
by special arrangement. Call for details.
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In
this wilderness area one can still find virgin forests nestled in
green canyons and on high mountain ridges; summer snowfields and
granite faces of great mountains; a rich Indian history and wilderness
sites where ancient worship is still carried on; a beautiful streambed
which drops, cavorts, and glides through riffles, rapids, and pools
for 200 miles within California. It
is also known as the North American homeland of the mythical ape-man
known as Bigfoot, whose footprints have been reported more often
here than anywhere else.
The pace of our
trips makes for a real vacation! Whenever possible, we poke around and explore the area. There is ample time during the day to swim,
photograph, sketch, or hang out and enjoy the tranquility.
ITINERARY
Day 0 Hometown to River Put In near Happy Camp, CA.
Please note that Day 0 is your Day in Transit from your
Hometown to upstream of Happy Camp, California. This day is the
day before the published date in our brochure.
Day 1 - At 10:00 AM we will meet
you at our put-in spot approximately 19.4-24.4 miles upstream
of Happy Camp, CA. (Pre-departure information will pin point our
put-in for your particular trip.) We will pack into our waterproof
bags and then shuttle vehicles to Happy Camp; park our cars at
a local motel, and then shuttle drivers back to the put-in to
begin our trip.
We'll then have a brief lecture on equipment, safety, emergency
procedures, and a demonstration of paddling techniques for those
who will be taking the inflatable kayaks. Participants will choose
their paddling partners and crafts.Then
we'll drift downstream into the land of Sasquatch on a bouncy,
playful river, practicing our ferrying across the river and catching
eddies. We learn to paddle in unison and react appropriately to
the guides commands.
Great
blue herons take off in front of our boats as we float around
the bends of the river. In late afternoon we pass through serpentine
gorges and challenging rapids, paddling onward to our campsite
in a quiet and wooded section of the river. In the quiet of the
evening, lurking behind our campsite chatter is that bashful behemoth
"Big Foot".
Day 2 - After a huge river breakfast, we pack up and set off on our
second day of river travel. We look for bear, otter, and bald
eagles. This is the perfect day for those who have not taken
the opportunity to try out our inflatable kayaks as we have a lot of easy Class II rapids. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our camp. We usually
have our famous marinated lamb barbecue this evening and camp
out on in the meadows that surround our forested kitchen area.
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"It
was so great for our two daughters to finally share the river
together after all these years. The rapids were just right,
food superb, guides extremely competent and all the other
families blended well with the river."
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Day
3 - We'll have another sumptuous breakfast, pack up
and run some thrilling Class III rapids all afternoon. We"ll take out in late afternoon.
Day
4 - If we operate a 4-day trip, we extend our trip
by putting in one day upstream of our normal put-in.
*Special
Note. Four day trips cover more river miles than three
day trips and also move at a more relaxing pace
LAND COST:
Please refer to this Trip Profile or our Schedule and Price list on this website. Please note that Adult fares apply for participants who are 18 and older. Youth fares apply for the ages of 7-17.
LAND COST INCLUDES: The following are included
in your Klamath River trips:
*Orientation meeting at our put-in (TBA)
*Shuttle of drivers from Happy Camp back to the put-in before the
trip
*Shuttling of appropriate number of cars to help facilitate the
takeout
*3-4 days of rafting (depending on your particular trip)
*All on-river meals (lunch the first day through lunch the last
day)
LAND
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: You are responsible for the following:
*Transortation to and from Happy Camp, CA.
*Meals and lodging in Yreka or Happy Camp prior to or after the trip
*Personal clothing and other gear
*Gratuities to guides
*For those individuals who will not be coming back to Happy Camp or East and are driving out to the coast, auto shuttles are available. Shuttle fees vary from approx. $35.00-$40.00 depending
on the number of cars and exact take-out spot.
*$6/person/day federal user-day fees.
REGISTRATION - To reserve space on any trip please use the enclosed application
form with a deposit in the following amounts: $250 for all Klamath
3 & 4 day trips. Full payment required for 2-day trips. Balance
due 60 days before departure. Upon receipt of deposit, you will
receive a complete pre-departure packet which includes detailed
travel logistics, an equipment list, bibliography, medical certificate
and trip cancellation insurance. Although we do not write air
tickets, we would be happy to give you the name of our travel
agent who can facilitate in your air ticketing.
TRIP LOGISTICS
Average driving time to Yreka is 5.5-6.5 hours and to Happy Camp
from the Bay Area is 7-8 hours; from Southern California, 11.25
tp Yreka and 13 hours to Happy Camp. United flies to Medford where
car rentals are available. Redding also has an airport.
We will meet you at 10:00 AM on the morning of the first day of
your trip approximately 19.4-24.4 miles upstream of Happy Camp
(30-45 minutes upstream from Happy Camp which is 68 miles west
of Yreka. (Complete Travel Logistics included in Pre-Departure
packet sent upon registration).
THE OUTFITTER
James Henry River Journeys has been an outfitter on
the Klamath since 1974 and has permission to operate on the Klamath
through the U.S. Forest Service, KLamath National Forest in Happy
Camp, CA. James Henry River Journeys is an equal opportunity service
provider.
LEADERSHIP
Our trip facilitators (see Special Trips) will be assisted
by the veteran crew of James Henry River Journeys who each have
6-34 years of rafting experience. What will make your trip a safe
and memorable one, is the attitude, competence, good humor, and
gentle relatedness of the crew. They are dedicated entertainers,
masterful chefs, and mature veterans of many expeditions. They
have been trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency rescue procedures.
WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE, CAMPING LOGISTICS,
QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL CHALLENGES
This raft trip is designed for a broad-range of adventure
enthusiasts who want to experience the joys of whitewater river
running on one of North America's most lovely rivers. Previous
camping or river experience is not necessary.
The
Lower Klamath has some challenging Class III rapids (intermediate
difficulty). However, the warmth of the water and surrounding
air, combined with its alternation of quiet stretches with intriguing
rapids make it an ideal journey for novices and families alike.
Being able to swim is not of consequence. Everyone is required
to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver at all times
on the rafts or walking near rapids. Participants should be in
good health and average-good physical condition.
The
Klamath has one major impoundment above where we put in, thus
flows are usually very consistent all summer long, varying between
1,000-5,000 c.f.s. (cubic feet/sec.) On most of our trips and
when water levels are sufficient, we pack everything in the boats
and remain self-sufficient. In these instances, we will have the
entire flotilla present: oarboats, paddleboats, and inflatable
kayaks. Individuals can trade off between the different craft
depending on their inclinations. Paddling is a mildly strenuous
to strenuous activity. Those who do not desire to paddle may ride
in the oar boats.
On some trips (usually low water trips or special group charters
for high schools) we maximize the participatory factor and use
all paddleboats and inflatable kayaks, load only minimal gear
in the boats, and operate the trip with vehicle assistance. In
any case, the group will be limited to 24 participants. We welcome
anyone who is 7 years or older, and wants to partake in the spirit
of a river journey; sharing with others the joys of wilderness
living and travel.
Please
note that our day-to-day itinerary on the river is flexible, and
will depend on special themes incorporated into the trip, river
levels, weather and inclinations of participants. The length of
the trip (miles covered) may change depending on the variables
listed above. Final determination of the river itinerary is made
by the head boatperson who is the trip leader.
CLIMATE
AND WEATHER
Daytime temperatures usually range between 75 and 100
degrees during the summer. Night temperatures are in the high
50's 60's, and 70's. The river temperature is in the mid-60's.
FOOD
Fresh food will be available and international camp
cookery will fill the whetted appetites. Known for our remarkable
cuisine, you'll savor every mouthful. See Meals.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION
Good health and average-good physical condition are prerequisites
for this trip. See details see Medical
and Health.
EQUIPMENT--WHAT JAMES HENRY RIVER JOURNEYS PROVIDES
See What equipment
JHRJ provides and Types
of Boats.
We use specially designed inflatable whitewater rafts that are
multi-compartmented and unsinkable. On each trip there are from
two to five boats, with a low participant to guide ratio. We row
all of the gear in 16-18 foot boats and are usually able to put
on one paddle boat to give individuals the opportunity to actively
participate in the river trip. Our Hyside self-bailing kayaks are
the "state of the art" in terms of comfort and maneuverability.
Please
note that we do not guarantee space in inflatable kayaks. We will
bring a number of them, but if there are more people who wish
to ride in these boats than there are space, we will rotate so
that everyone gets chance to participate. Paddle rafts and inflatable
kayaks are available only when conditions permit and when there
are enough people interested in this option. Please indicate your
preference on your KLAMATH TRIP LOGISTICS SHEET.
RENTALS-
We have a limited number of sleeping bags and inflatable
pads available on a rental basis.
Cost of $25 per unit. Tents
may be rented for $25/trip.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
A complete equipment checklist will be sent to all
trip members upon registration. We usually have great weather
in the heart of the summer mid-June through early September, and
cooler and more variable weather on May and early June trips and
mid-September departures. It is the responsibility of everyone
coming on a Klamath trip to be adequately prepared for inclement
weather at any time of the season. Wool clothing/and or fleece
garments, and completely waterproof raingear are necessary in
the event of a spring/summer/fall storm.
PHOTOGRAPHY
There are good opportunities to photograph the environs
while on land (especially at Ukonom Creek). There will also be
opportunities to photograph rafts going through two of the major
rapids. A waterproof point and shoot is ideal for this trip.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
If you have to cancel your trip, please notify us as
soon as possible. See Cancellations
JHRJ.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE
See Trip Insurance.
© 2006. James Henry River Journeys. All Rights Reserved. Revised May, 2020..
To read more about our Special-Interest Trips on this river, go
to
Klamath Special Trips.
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415-868-0585
S.F. Bay Area
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