California and Oregon Rafting

May 4th – 6th will be the first ever race weekend down the Nordheimer Section of the Cal Salmon. The actual race will be May 6th. Meet at Nordheimer Put-in @ 11am. Race divisions will include Kayak Short Boat (anything under 9.0′), Kayak Long Boat (9’0 and longer). Rafts divisions will be Paddle Boat (Guide w/ a guide stick + paddlers), Oar Frame (Solo rafter includes Catarafts), and lastly paddle assist (Oars + Paddlers).

This makes for 5 divisions. The Race goes from Nordheimer to the bottom of Freight Train. Mass Start. Non-race rafters / kayakers encouraged to attend and paddle at their own pace.

More details to follow. Comments, Questions, Beer Donations?

Photographers and/or Media encouraged to document this event. Please email paulgamache@gmail.com.

The Race is on. Spread the Word.

Hope to see you all there.

Paul Gamache
www.Caliproduct.com

Spring is a great time to run Oregon’s Rogue River. The wildflowers are out, the river flow is higher, and there is hardly anyone on the river. The Rogue is usually done in four days, but can be easily done in two or three days in the spring when the water is higher.

We did a trip last week with uncharacteristically great March weather. We had sunny skies and only one night of light rain which ws nice because most March trips encounter frigid weather and tons of rain. In April and May the weather steadily improves even though there is always a possibility of bad weather. The nice thing about the rain is that the side creeks are higher and there are many more waterfalls into the river. May is a wonderful time on the Rogue.

The Rogue is a great family vacation due to the easier rapids and comfortable camps. A trail follows the length of the river which is great for those needing and evening walk. Those looking for a more remote experience with bigger rapids, should check out the Rogue’s bigger brother, the Illinois River.

Last year Matt Leidecker wrote a comprehensive mile by mile guide for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. It’s a full color guide with great topo maps, advice on how to run the rapids, and updated camp site information. We used it all last summer for our commercial trips!

He also has a great book titled “Impassable Canyon” full of river stories, his beautiful photography, and river essays. This book makes a great coffee table piece for those of you that love the Middle Fork.

Click here to learn morea about the Middle Fork Guidebook