3 Day Wilderness Camp & Raft Trip

Choose Your River

Prices Starting At

$739 Adults (14+)
$649 Kids

TRIP OVERVIEW

River Rafting on the Wild and Scenic Lower Klamath River

Our three-day, two-night whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Klamath River starts in Happy Camp, Northern California and ends at the Dillon Creek takeout. This section of the river is fun and splashy, and the Lower Klamath is the perfect trip for families or people who want to try multi-day river rafting for the first time. You’ll spend your days floating through one of the most scenic river basins in the US and your evenings fishing from sandy beaches, swimming in warm waters, and camping under the stars with our guides. 

The Klamath River’s headwaters are at the base of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, and from there, the river flows into Northern California, where it’s designated a Wild and Scenic River. This section of the river runs through the rugged Siskiyou Mountains, one of the most biodiverse temperature regions in the world. It’s home to black bears, otters, and deer, as well as numerous fish species, including steelhead and salmon. The region is also along the Pacific Flyway and attracts millions of migratory birds each year.

The majority of the rapids on the Lower Klamath are Class II, and the river is a great option for families with young kids or people who don’t swim.  On Day 2, you’ll have the chance to take on the Dragon’s Tooth, a tricky and fun Class III rapid. You can also skip the Dragon’s Tooth rapid if you’d prefer. 

Kayaking and Hiking on the Lower Klamath

We bring inflatable kayaks on our Lower Klamath trips, and you’ll have the opportunity to play in them and navigate some of the smaller rapids on your own. You can also hike to one of Northern California’s most spectacular and remote waterfalls, Ukonom Falls. This beautiful set of twin waterfalls has a crystal-clear pool at its base. The falls are only accessible by raft, and you’ll have the opportunity to hike to them on our second day of rafting.

Tributary Whitewater Tours operates under permit from the Klamath National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • One of the first rivers in California to be named a Wild and Scenic River and awarded the 2024 River of the Year by American Rivers
  • Features large, sandy beaches to lounge on and warm, clear waters to swim in
  • Offers three incredible days of river rafting— perfect for an all-ages family trip
  • Opportunity to take a beautiful side hike to the remote Ukonum Falls, a pair of twin waterfalls spilling 25 feet down to a swimming hole
  • Fantastic fishing for both steelhead at our overnight camps
  • Watch for black bears, otters, and deer as you raft through the Klamath-Siskiyou region, one of the most biodiverse areas of the US. Maybe you’ll even see Bigfoot!
  • Navigate some of the smaller rapids yourself in our inflatable kayaks for added excitement

River Map

Trip Itinerary

We’ll begin our adventure at the Indian Creek River Access in Happy Creek, California. Get ready for an incredible multi-day rafting trip full of exciting rapids, beautiful beaches, and quiet nights at camp. Originating in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the Lower Klamath River winds its way through mountains and temperate rainforests. Its beauty has inspired people for thousands of years, from the Native Americans who use the river for subsistence to gold prospectors, fishermen, and conservationists.

Day 1

Meet at 8:00 AM in Happy Camp, CA: Our adventure begins in Happy Camp! We’ll go over our trip preparations and orientation and then pack for our trip at Indian Creek River Access. 

Full Day of River Excitement: Enjoy a day on the beautiful Lower Klamath River, navigating exciting whitewater and looking for wildlife (and Bigfoot!). We’ll stop for a riverside lunch along the way, where you can take in the full beauty of the region. 

Arrival at Camp: After a full day of whitewater rafting, we’ll pull over to a sandy beach for the night. We’ll set up camp right along the river. Unwind with some fishing from shore, or take a swim in the warm water.

Appetizers, Dinner, & Bonding: After a full day of adventure, enjoy a delicious two-course meal of appetizers and a main course. Spend the evening sharing stories around the campfire before retiring for a quiet night’s sleep in your tent.

Day 2

Morning by the River: Awaken to the soothing sound of the river and the smell of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Breakfast at Camp: Your guides will cook you a delicious breakfast to help you fuel for the upcoming day.

Continued River Rafting Adventure: We’ll pack up camp and go over another safety refresher before heading back on the water. Take on the exciting Dragon’s Tooth rapid before stopping for another riverside lunch. 

Optional Hike to Ukonom Falls: Stretch your legs on a hike to the remote Ukonom Falls and take in the stunning set of twin waterfalls.

Dinner & Night Under the Stars: Explore the riverside, play, and swim in the water at our next campsite before another delicious dinner. Stargaze and enjoy the campfire before bedtime.

 

Day 3

Sunrise and Breakfast at Camp: Wake up to another peaceful morning, complete with hot drinks by the river. Take in the peace and quiet over our last breakfast together.

Pack & Paddle: Time to pack up camp for the last time and embark on the last leg of our river journey. 

Riverside Lunch: We’ll stop along the shore for our last meal together, a delicious riverside lunch.

Arrival at Dillon Creek Take-Out: With fond memories and a newfound appreciation for the beautiful outdoors, we’ll finish our adventure together at Dillon Creek Take-Out and say farewell for now.

Traveling to the

Where to Meet

Klamath River Resort Inn, Happy Camp, CA

61700 CA-96, Happy Camp, CA 96039

Flying In

Fly into the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Oregon and enjoy a 2-hour drive to Happy Camp, California.

What is the drive time?

From the Lower Klamath River meeting point:

Where To Stay

No matter what your travel mode is, we highly recommend arriving the night before your adventure. In Happy Camp, you can choose from a range of options, including cabins, hotels, and camping.

  • Klamath River Resort Inn: 61700 CA-96 in Happy Camp, CA. This is the meeting place for our overnight Lower Klamath whitewater rafting trips. Book online, park your car and enjoy the river stress-free.
  • Curly Jack Campground: Klamath National Forest, Happy Camp, CA. The campground has 16 sites as well as RV parking but no hookups. Call (530) 493-2243 for more information. 

Check out Yreka Chamber of Commerce for more lodging options.

What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

Rafting shuttle coordination included. Additional fees may apply. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 2 nights camping
  • 7 meals
    • Day 1 – lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 3 – breakfast & lunch

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