California Whitewater

Key Flows

• MF Feather : 1907 cfs
• North Yuba : 1770 cfs
• North Fork : 1380 cfs
• South Fork : 363 cfs
• Merced : 3914 cfs
• Cal Salmon : 4170 cfs
• Burnt Ranch : 7940 cfs
• Smith : 2530 cfs
• More Flows ...

Rafting In California

• American
• Tuolumne
• Merced
• Cal Salmon
• Kings
• Kern
• Smith

Rafting Classics

• Rogue
• Rio Grande

Outfitters

• W.E.T. River Trips
• Momentum River Expeditions

More Info

• C-W-R.com
• CA Creeks
• CaliRiver Salmon
• Oregon Rafting

Rafting the Cal Salmon River

The "California Salmon" is one of the best rafting rivers in California for thrill-seekers. It has numerous Class IV rapids and several exciting Class V rapids. The water is extremely clear and the scenery is stunning. It isn't rafted nearly as often as other lower quality rivers in California because it is in a remote location in the northern part of the state.

The Cal Salmon (as it is affectionately referred to) has three distinct runs on it. The upper stretch is mostly Class II and makes a great warm up as well as a fun run for novice inflatable kayakers. The next section, referred to as the "Nordheimer Run" is the classic with many Class IV rapids and three big, fun Class V's. The "Butler Run" is below here with many Class III and IV rapids.

Most rafters make a long weekend out of the Cal Salmon by doing the first day or two rafting the Butler Run as a warm up for the Nordheimer Run. It's such a long drive to the Cal Salmon that it's a good idea to spend at least three days in this beautiful place.