Klamath River Family Rafting Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Meet the guides at the Rogue River Center (210 Merlin Rd, Merlin OR. West from I-5 at exit 61) at 6:45 AM. If you are already in Northern California or are coming from the south, you also have the option to meet us in Happy Camp at the ranger station at 9:30 AM. Please arrange ahead of time if you will meet us in Happy Camp.

At the put-in on the Klamath River your guide will give you a thorough safety and paddling orientation before heading downstream towards the many Class II and III rapids. You will also receive your dry bags at this time. Your dry bag is where you will store your personal items for the trip. Please see the packing list and the travel information for more details. Expect today to be filled with exciting waves, warm water, plenty of sun, and some great scenery. Class III rapids such as Kanaka, Devils Toenail and The Trench fill out the morning. Around lunchtime the group will pull over so the guides can make your first riverside lunch. This is a great chance to swim in the warm Klamath River water with the kids or just relax in the shade. After lunch the group will continue down through more thrilling Klamath River white water and big pools where you can relax before finding the perfect beach to spend the night.

In camp play some Frisbee with the kids, swim, or enjoy a cocktail as the guides prepare your three-course dinner. Finish a hot Dutch oven dessert before you lay back with a great glass of wine, re-live the stories of the day, and eventually fall asleep under the blanket of stars.

Day 2: Start with a hot riverside breakfast complete with freshly baked cinnamon rolls and hot coffee. After breakfast, take your time packing your gear and lathering on the sunscreen while the guides pack the rafts. Today is another day of straightforward Klamath River rapids such as Ferry Point and Independence Creek. Picture yourself floating between rapids, laying back in your boat and relaxing in the hot sun while the kids try to splash you from the raft.

Sometime in the early afternoon the group will arrive at the takeout. Do some final swimming and say goodbye to the Klamath River while the guides pack up the gear and get ready to drive back. The van will take you to your car at the ranger station in Happy Camp or the Rogue River Center.

Boats

As on most of our trips we offer a variety of river craft to choose from. Orange Torpedo Trips is best known for inflatable kayaking with 80% of our customers choosing this as the way to go down the river, but on this trip we offer 3 types of river craft on this trip.

Torpedo

Learn to paddle your own inflatable kayak (Torpedo). We have guides in “Torpedo’s” teaching you how to paddle and leading you through the rapids in a 4 to 1 ratio. If you happen to fall out the guides have you out of the river in seconds. 40+ years of doing this and and tens of thousands of satisfied returning customers prove that it is fun and safe.

Paddle Raft

A more traditional type of rafting, paddle rafts are a great way to go if you still want to do some work, but think the torpedo is just a little to much. Work with a team of your friends paddling the big boat through the rapids as the guide sits in the back to help navigate.

Oared Raft

Hop on an oared raft and ride in luxury. This is the relaxed way to travel. If taking in the scenery and letting the guide do the work is how you vacation then hop on board. This is how kids 4-11 years old will usually travel, safe and exciting.