The Lower Klamath - Class III

  • Length: up to 120 miles
  • Gradient: 13 fpm
  • Difficulty: Class III
  • Season: Year Around
  • Rec. Level: 1,500 - 15,000 cfs
  • Agency: USFS
  • Permits: No
  • Put-in: Iron Gate Dam, Scott River, or Happy Camp
  • Take-out: Scott River, Happy Camp, or Green Riffle

The Lower Klamath is located in the far northwest corner of California – one of the most remote and least populated areas of the state. While the term "Lower Klamath" can be used to describe any section of the Klamath River from I-5 to below Somes Bar the most popular stretch is from the town of Happy Camp to Green Rifle river access, located a few miles up stream from Somes Bar. In this section the Klamath River cuts a beautiful lush canyon through the remote Klamath Mountains.

Klamath RiverThis stretch makes a great 2 to 5 day rafting trip for families, first-timers, and anyone interested in a relaxing and fun wilderness experience. The rapids are fun and splashy, the water is warm, there are numerous side streams and beautiful side hikes, and there are steady summer flows. One of the best qualities is the staggering amount of wildlife. It is common to see black bear, deer, otter, osprey, and bald eagles. If you are lucky you may glimpse the rarely seen and very reclusive Bigfoot.

Highway 96 follows most of the river and, while it is barely noticed from the water, it provides numerous access points and trip length options.  The normal put-in is at Indian Creek at the west end of Happy camp. The next few miles consist of Class II rapids leading up to the Class III Rattlesnake. At high spring flows Rattlesnake contains some Grand Canyon size waves and a huge hole. Below the river enters a beautiful inner gorge with numerous Class II and III rapids.

Ukonom Falls on Ukonom Creekthe Ukonom CreekBelow Independence creek the canyon walls steepen and boaters come to Dragons Tooth. Although this rapid is only rated III+ it is tricky and there are many Class V guides who have been very surprised to find themselves upside down at the bottom!  Luckily it is a very safe swim.

A few miles below Dragons Tooth Ukonom creek enters on the left. The side hike to Ukonom falls is one of the most beautiful side hikes in all of California. Below the creek is Coon Creek river access – a common end to a 2-day trip. After Coon there are 18 more miles of Class II to III- rapids and the scenic Rock Creek campsite. While floated less often then the upper section it is beautiful and full of wildlife.

It is very important to float no farther then Green Rifle. A few miles down stream of this access is the Class V+/VI Ishi Pishi Falls. Not only is this rapid huge, it is also a sacred area for the local Native Americans. Below Ishi Pishi there is a very short section called the Ikes with a few big water Class III to IV + rapids before the Klamath flattens out and downstream progress becomes difficult because of upstream winds.
Email Email This Page | Site Map | Home | Copyright © 2008 Tallac Designs