Cal-Salmon Whitewater Rafting

Only 2 spots left!

The Wild and Scenic California Salmon River, although still somewhat unknown even in its home state of California, is one of the most incredible whitewater rafting trips in the country. It combines beautiful, lush coastal scenery, an intimate marble-smooth granite inner gorge, a seemingly endless number of side-creek waterfalls cascading in from above, emerald-green waters, tons of wildlife, and unequaled class IV-V pooldrop whitewater. This is truly a world-class, highadventure whitewater run. Our excursion will be guided by Wilderness Adventures, who proved to be an excellent outfitter the last two years they guided our group.

The lushness of the canyon is a refreshing change from the dryer, more desert-like landscape of many California rivers. Also outstanding is the abundance of wildlife; it is not uncommon to see black bear, the occasional mountain lion or wild horses, and meeting up with deer and a wide range of birds is almost a given. We will be there during the peak of the wildflowers. The combination of stunning scenery and remote location lends itself to creating a feeling of being set down in a different part of the world. You quickly become immersed in the area and the experience. The canyon's beauty is so stunning that it is protected by congress as a National Wild and Scenic River. Even if you took away the scenery and location, the whitewater would still make the river more than worthwhile. The rapids are an amazing combination of crashing waves, big holes and boulders, and clean steep drops over smooth granite. Best of all, there are a ton of them!

The first day of the trip will begin on the Class IV stretch from Butler Creek to Oak Bottom. With rapids like Butler's Ledge, Double Drop, Contusion, Gaping Maw, and Wooley Booley this section will be a warm up to the Class V stretch on the second day. Our lunchtime will be split between eating a delicious meal and enjoying the amazing views that surround us. Further down river we will stop at a gorgeous campsite and you will have time to set up your sleeping site, fish, swim, or relax. The evening meal will be followed by dessert, campfire entertainment, and an incredible night under the stars. In

the morning you will wake to the wonderful smell of coffee and breakfast. After another hearty gourmet meal we will be off to (king of all rapids) Freight Train whose raging waters you can hear from afar. Running several Class IV & V rapids is only part of this impressive day. We will serve lunch at beautiful side stream before heading off to the take-out where you will be able to enjoy pictures taken by a local photographer.

At the end of this trip, you'll know you've accomplished something extraordinary.

Please contact Chris Fava ASAP at trancefusion@mac.com There are only 2 spots left. 

Trip notes PDF can be downloaded from http://greatoutdoors.org/sb/TripNotes/CalSalmonRiver2010TN.pdf

*Wednesday, May 5: Optional travel day.

*Thursday, May 6: Travel day to Northern California, or if you arrived earlier, this is a free day to explore this stunning area. Suggestions in Humboldt County include Redwoods National Park, Avenue of the Giants, Eureka, and Trinity National Forest. Free camping at Nordheimer Camp is available, which will be our rafting campground for the weekend.

*Friday, May 7: Be at Somes Bar General Store by 8:00am to meet the river guides, then our rafting action begins! Gourmet lunch and dinner prepared by the river guides, campfire at night, enjoy the starry skies.

*Saturday, May 8: Breakfast cooked by guides. More rafting and another prepared gourmet lunch, more rafting. Trip ends late afternoon. Travel back home or stay an extra night to explore more of the area.

*Sunday, May 9: Optional travel day back home.

Trip costs only $290.  Fees for this trip are shared among attendees, and include the rafting activities and food on Friday and Saturday - 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner (cooked by guides), high quality equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, life vests, wetsuits), government use fee, and guide gratuity. The cost of all other food, activities, lodging and transportation is not included for Wednesday and Thursday.