Cal Salmon River

The Salmon, often referred to as the Cal Salmon to distinguish it from the Salmon River in Idaho, has its origins in the remote wilderness of the Marble and Salmon mountains in northern California. In a classic pool-and-drop configuration, cutting through a granite gorge, this wild river is extremely demanding – always living up to its Class 5 status.

The action begins just a half-mile downstream from the put-in with Bloomer Falls — two boat burying holes — followed by miles of non-stop action with Lewis Falls, The Maze, Tercel Turn, and Airplane. Our first scout of the day is Cascade – a choice of a 400 yard boulder garden or a 15-foot waterfall. This is all before lunch.

The grand finale is a continuous torrent of a rapid aptly named Freight Train. This rapid is guaranteed to get even the most seasoned boater’s heart racing.

Scott River

Running undammed for its entire length, the Scott River is one of California’s most scenic and exhilarating rivers. A Class 5 twin to the Cal Salmon it offers some of the finest spring whitewater rafting in the state.

Beginning its journey to the Klamath River high in the Trinity Mountains, the Scott River meanders through the wide farmlands of the Scott Valley before descending into a canyon carved along the eastern edge of the Marble Mountains.

Many rivers have a stretch of flatwater to warm up on…not this one! At the end of the first pool, it begins immediately with miles of Class III and IV rapids, fast and furious. As the canyon deepens, the river intensifies, as we scout and run a series of Class IV and V drops and boulder gardens.