Upper Klamath River Rafting

HELL'S CORNER GORGE
Wilderness Adventures' home turf. In 1979 we made the first raft descent of this unknown stretch of the Upper Klamath River. We named all of its 40 major rapids and were the first to name this canyon "The Hell's Corner Gorge". Flowing through rugged volcanic canyon lands the river takes you past ancient Indian sites and views of the old west countryside. Recently earning National Wild and Scenic River designation it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of a bald or golden eagle, river otter blue heron, or other wildlife. Well known rapids like Caldera, Satan's Gate, and Hell's Corner intensify the beauty, wildlife, and history of this true wilderness adventure. Since pioneering this run in '79 we have made The Hell's Corner Gorge our forte'.

UPPER KLAMATH RIVER RAFTING

The Klamath River is California's second largest river, flowing free for almost 200 miles with an average flow that surpasses that of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The superb scenery, abundant wildlife and rich historical presence clearly shows why this river earned National Wild and Scenic River status in 1995. Snow melt from the east slope of the Cascade Range gathers in the broad, shallow Upper Klamath Lake, then flows southwest and cuts through the Cascades in a rugged volcanic canyon. In the canyon we are greeted by exciting rapids with names like Caldera, Satan's Gate, Hell's Corner, Ambush, and Snag Island Falls. The Upper Klamath River is incredibly beautiful as it flows from Oregon into California and travels through the Klamath Mountains, which consists of several sub-ranges including the Siskiyous, the Salmon, the Marbles, the Scott, and the Trinity Alps.

UPPER KLAMATH RIVER RAFTING TRIP

One Day Upper Klamath River Rafting We will meet at Silva's Family Restaurant in Weed and shuttle to the put-in at the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse in southern Oregon. Here we will have a safety talk while gearing up for the river. The first part of the river provides a good warm-up with solid Class III rapids separated by serene pools, allowing an opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings and look for the bald eagles, great blue heron, osprey, ring tail cat, river otter, and bear that call this area home. When we enter Hell's Corner Gorge the gradient of the river steepens and we meet the heart of the river, charging through several Class IV+ rapids. As we pass from Oregon into California we will stop for a delicious deli-style buffet lunch. After lunch we will get back into the boats for another pleasant stretch of whitewater with more Class III drops. We will end the day at beautiful Copco Lake where the shuttle driver will greet us with cold drinks and bring us back to our vehicles.

Two Day Upper Klamath River Rafting We will meet at Silva's Family Restaurant in Weed and head to the put-in at the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse. Here we will have an orientation and a Wilderness Adventure guide will hand out waterproof bags to repack your gear as we head out for a true wilderness trip. The Class III rapids at the beginning of the river let us warm up and enjoy the beauty of the area. Proceeding down the river we will stop at Frain Ranch, a resort built by a settler in the nineteenth century on the site of an old Indian village which is marked by old buildings and native artifacts. We will stop to scout the first Class IV rapid and enjoy a gourmet lunch, and as we head out for the second part of the day we experience more exciting rapids. Further downstream we will establish a wilderness-style camp and the guides will set up kitchen and prepare a delicious dinner and dessert. Then we will settle in for campfire festivities and a night under the stars. In the morning, the smell of coffee and breakfast will open your eyes as we prepare to tackle the rest of the river. This day starts out with a bang as we drop right into several Class IV+ rapids. We will enjoy a hearty lunch near the Oregon-California border and get ready for a pleasant trip out, through some Class III drops and end the day at Copco Lake. Here we will be able to enjoy cold drinks and reflect on our adventure as we pack up and head back to our vehicles.

DIRECTIONS TO THE MEETING PLACE

From Sacramento and other points south take Interstate-5 (North) to the South Weed exit (approximately 8 miles north of Mt. Shasta). Take a right off the exit ramp and then an immediate left. Silva's Restaurant will be on the right. (Please park behind the restaurant.)

From points north take Interstate-5 (South) to the South Weed exit. Take a left off the exit ramp and then left at McDonald's. Silva's Restaurant will be on the right. (Please park behind the restaurant.)

DIRECTIONS TO THE PUT-IN

Take Interstate 5 to Exit 14 at Ashland, Oregon. (If you're coming from the north, you'll turn left.)

Travel east on Hwy. 66 for approximately 40 miles.

NOTE: Oregon state highways have "mile markers" that are clearly displayed along the highway. Watch for mile marker 41. You will turn left onto a dirt road between mile marker 41 and 42.

Follow signs to John C. Boyle Powerhouse. (This is an unpaved gravel & dirt road with "washboard" which means a rough ride. Please use caution and drive slowly.)

CAMPING SUGGESTIONS

Mt. Shasta Camping (5 minutes from rendezvous location)

Lake Siskiyou Camp & Resort
530-926-2618
4239 W.A. Barr Road
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
4.5 miles off of I-5
225 tent sites; 120 RV hookups; restrooms, laundry, showers, pets OK

Mt. Shasta KOA Campground
530-926-4029 900
N. Mt. Shasta Blvd.
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
33 tent sites; 70 RV hookups; laundry, showers

For information about US Forest Service campgrounds in the Mt. Shasta area, contact the Shasta-Trinity Ranger District office:
(530) 926-4511 or 800-280-CAMP

Lake Shasta Camping (45 minutes from rendezvous location)

Antlers RV Park & Campground
800-642-6849
Lakehead, CA
P.O. Box 127 Store, marina, cabins, tent sites on Lake Shasta

Lakeshore Villa RV & Campground
530-238-8688
20672 Lakeshore Dr.
Lakehead, CA
RV hookups, tent sites near Lake Shasta

Shasta Lake RV Resort & Campground
800-3-SHASTA
20433 Lakeshore Drive
Lakehead, CA
RV hookups, tent sites on Lake Shasta

Tsasdi Resort
530-238-2575
19990 Lakeshore Drive
Lakehead, CA
Housekeeping cabins near Lake Shasta

For information about US Forest Service campgrounds on Shasta Lake, contact the Shasta Lake Ranger District office:
(530) 275-1589 or 800-280-CAMP

LODGING SUGGESTIONS

Best Inn & Suites
(530) 938-1982
157 South Weed Blvd. (First Weed exit)
Weed, CA 96094
Next to Silva's Restaurant

Holiday Inn Express
(530) 938-1308
South Weed Blvd. (First Weed exit)
Weed, CA 96094
Next to Silva's Restaurant

Hi-Lo Motel
(530) 938-2731
88 South Weed Blvd. (First Weed exit)
Weed, CA 96094
Two blocks from Silva's Restaurant

Motel 6
(530) 938-4101
466 North Weed Blvd. (Third Weed exit)
Weed, CA 96094
5 minutes north of Silva's Restaurant

Best Western Tree House
(800) 545-7164
I-5 @ Lake Street (Central Mt. Shasta Exit)
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
10 minutes south of Silva's Restaurant

Pine Needles Motel
(530) 926-4811
1340 So. Mt. Shasta Blvd (First Mt. Shasta Exit)
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
10 minutes south of Silva's Restaurant