Klamath River Summer 2024 Update:
All Lower Klamath trips are being referred to our Deschutes River 3 Day river rafting trip which offers a similar experience with Class 2-3 rapids – a perfect trip for families ages 4+. For recommendations on alternatives to our Upper Klamath River trips please contact us. See more details on this change below.
The Klamath Dam removal project, which began in 2023, has affected both the Upper and Lower Klamath portions of our whitewater rafting trips for the 2024 season. The Upper Klamath is directly affected by the location of the dam removal while the Lower Klamath portion is seeing an increase of sediment downstream from the project. After connecting with local agencies, and considering the best course of action for the project and guests, we will not be running whitewater trips on either section of the Klamath River this summer. We are in full support of the Klamath Dam removal project and reviving a river to its natural state. We will continue to provide updates on the project via our blog.
For more information, read our Klamath Dam blog series, links below.
Klamath River Dam Removal Project Summer 2024 Update: April 22, 2024
Klamath River Dam Removal Project Update: August 5, 2023
Klamath River Dam Removal Project Begins: May 8, 2023
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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.
