Rubicon Whitewater Adventures

Fed by sparkling, crystal clear snow melt from the Marble Mountains in Klamath National Forest, the Salmon is unequaled in its beauty and whitewater excitement. The fast and furious river, dominated by Class IV and V rapids, passes some of the finest salmon and steelhead tributaries in the West. Two and three-day trips; only four put-in dates . (by permission of Klamath National Forest)

A big river by California standards, the warm waters of the Klamath take us through the scenic and turbulent. Excellent car camping in well maintained campgrounds, also superb wilderness camping on the river. A moderate hike to the spectacular three falls at Ukunum creek is always a hit. Several good runs, including the Ikes, a series of big rapids ideal for the stout-hearted. In the summer it's sunny and hot on the Klamath ( by permission of Klamath National Forest)

A clear stream near Weaverville, in the Shasta Trinity National Forest. The Trinity is the main drainage for the spectacular Trinity Alps and historic for early gold mining. The Trinity offers warm waters and some playful rapids including a thriller at Big Drop (Hell Hole). Only on the Trinity does Rubicon offer "paddle yourself rafts" as well as inflatable kayaks and traditional paddle boats and oar boats. Guided fishing trips with licensed guides are available on request. We rely on car camping at our favorite Big Foot Campground. Big Foot Campground has a swimming pool for off river activities and a general

Additonal information and Directions

One of the few navigable streams on the east slope of the Sierra, the Carson is a unique, two-day run. The constant gradient demands consistent maneuvering, making up for the absence of big rapids. Visiting a natural hot springs along the river makes this one a hedonist's holiday! (by permission U.S.F.S)

Starting on the Middle Fork near Dos Rios we soon join the Main and are set for a spectacular 46 mile run to Alderpoint, the railroad our only companion. Great sandy beaches for campsites and warm waters in May invite swimmers. Mild whitewater makes this a fine introduction to paddle rafting and overnight camping. Trip takes 4 days. Can be combined with the Middle Fork for a 6 day wilderness adventure.

A favorite springtime river, unsurpassed for natural beauty and totally unspoiled. Winding through remote Round Valley, boaters see spring wildflowers exploding from the ground. We catch the Middle Fork where it forms near the foot of the Yolla Bollys for a 30-mile run to Dos Rios that includes one of the most challenging rapids in California---Coal Mine Falls.

In the heart of the Gold Country near historic Coloma, the American River features two fine class III paddle runs. The Chili Bar (Nugget) to Lotus starts off with the formidable "Meatgrinder" and ends with the infamous "Troublemaker". The Gorge is a scenic run ending with over three miles of nearly continuous whitewater. We have an overnight campsite on the river at Camp Lotus (by permission of El Dorado County).

Additonal information and Directions