Top 5 Rapids on the California Salmon River

California Salmon River is one of the best and most challenging spring whitewater rafting runs in the entire state. Not to be confused with Idaho’s Salmon River, the Cal-Salmon is located in Six Rivers National Forest, seated deep between the Marble Mountains and the Trinity Alps in the northernmost part of coastal California. The crystal clear, emerald green water winds through a vibrant temperate rainforest, and flows past waterfalls and wildlife alike. Its uniquely beautiful location and epic Class 4+ and 5 rapids make it a bucket-list river for any serious rafter. Come along with us as we take a look at our favorite five rapids on the Cal-Salmon, and be sure to let us know if any made your own list!
Number five: Gaping Maw. This stretch of Class 4+ whitewater lies deep at the bottom of the canyon, with huge walls of rock on either side of the river making you feel tiny. You and your crew will navigate through exciting waves at the top before working to avoid a massive hole at the end of the rapid. Be sure to take a moment at the bottom to look back upstream at this picturesque rapid!
In fourth place is Bloomer Falls. The suspense builds as you float towards the horizon line marking the top of this Class 4+ rapid. Rafts will navigate a large drop on the left-hand side of the river, then float through a steep, rock canyon. It’s the first rapid of the day and is a great way to set the pace for the rest of the trip.
Coming up third is Last Chance. It’s a Class 5 rapid that will greet you with a series of huge, rolling waves at the entrance. After smashing through these, you and your raft will work together to avoid a giant hole at the bottom. Make sure to listen carefully to your guide’s commands, as precise navigation is the key to success in this rapid!
Placing second in our top five list is Cascade. As the name implies, this Class 5 rapid looks like an avalanche of whitewater that will thrill and challenge even the most experienced paddlers. Your crew will line up at the top for a large drop before completing a series of turns and hitting some waves. Work together as a team, and this will surely be one of the most memorable rapids of the day!
And now for the champion, the winner, the cream of the crop of the Cal-Salmon… Freight Train! This Class 5 bomb begins subtly… A “forward paddle” here… a “left turn” there… but before you know it, you and your buds will be barreling downstream faster than a runaway boxcar. Be prepared for a flurry of commands, and hold on tight for a massive drop at the bottom, as the river narrows amongst the steep canyon walls.
There you have it, our top 5 rapids on California's Salmon River. You may not agree with our list but everyone agrees that this Wild and Scenic river delivers in every way; it combines breathtaking beauty with more than 15 Class 4 & 5 rapids over the course of 12 miles. It's no mystery why we make the pilgrimage north in early spring. Maybe it's time for you to join us, and check it off your bucket list. We'll see you on the river!
Plan to see all of California Salmon’s rapids and amazing scenery:
www.aorafting.com/river/cal-s...
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