Section of river:	Somes Bar
Difficulty:	Class 5
Length:	14 miles; 22 KM
Season:	April- June
Best rapids:	Nordheimer, Bloomer Falls, Airplane Turn, Cascade Falls, Achilles Heel, Last Chance, Freight Train

This Class V whitewater adventure is for experienced rafters only! California’s Salmon River, a major tributary of the Klamath, rises in the Salmon-Trinity Alps Primitive Area, one of the most isolated regions in the state. Here, icy melt from the Sawtooth glacier, the only glacier in California’s Coast Range, combines with abundant rain and snow melt to produce a surge of runoff each winter and spring.




The Cal Salmon - so called to distinguish it from the larger and better known Salmon River in Idaho – is one of the finest Class V whitewater rivers in the West.  The most popular run begins below the confluence of the North and South Forks, where strong flows and a steep gradient combine to produce powerful whitewater.  The river combines lush coastal scenery, an intimate, granite gorge, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green water, bountiful wildlife, and unparalleled class IV-V whitewater.

This Wild and Scenic River boasts some of the best whitewater in the country. Boaters will discover that the rapids are an amazing combination of crashing waves, big holes and boulders along with clean steep drops over smooth granite.  Class IV and V rapids such as Nordheimer, Bloomer Falls, Airplane Turn, Cascade Falls, Achilles Heel, Last Chance and Freight Train will challenge our resolve as well as our river skills.

California Salmon trips normally in April, May or June only, when water flows are optimal.