Discovering Southern Oregon – August 2023
The Upper Klamath River’s “Hells Corner Gorge” is one of the nation’s newest federally- protected “wild and scenic” waterways. The Upper Klamath River is in a remote canyon right on the Oregon-California border, beginning in the southern tip of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and concluding at Copco Lake, California. With class III-IV+ whitewater, the highlight of the journey is a seven-mile stretch thought “Hell’s Corner Canyon,” which provides almost continuous and non-stop wild water action.
Start your day on the river with Noah’s River Adventures at 8am, at the Plaza on Main Street in Ashland, where rafters gather and sign release forms. From there, board Noah’s comfortable 15-passenger bus, which takes you up Highway 66 to mile-marker 41. At this point, the bus turns onto a dirt frontage road, and during the ride, guides provide educational and entertaining commentary about the river and surrounding area. Along the way, you pass a Pacific Power Dam before reaching the put-in location at a small riverside park.
At the put-in, guides prepare the rafts, which can accommodate 6 guests and one guide each. While they get everything ready, a continental breakfast is provided, and rafters are fitted with helmets and personal flotation devices. Quick instructions are given, including practicing rowing forward, backward, and hanging on. These skills are important for maneuvering around boulders and navigating challenging rapids.
The first rapid is just a few hundred feet from the start, and it guarantees getting wet. The elevation at the put-in is around 2300 feet, and by the time you reach California, it drops to 1400 feet, ensuring a continuously thrilling descent. Throughout the trip, you’ll encounter major rapids, have opportunities to surf in eddies behind rocks, ride at the front of the raft like bull riders, and observe wildlife along the river. Deer, bald eagles, osprey, geese, turtles, white pelicans, and blue herons are some of the species you might spot. Trevor, who was our river guide, takes a break from engineering school and guides during the summer. He provided us with insights into the area’s history, including early Indian settlements, old stagecoach road, ghost town and abandoned hot springs.
Between rapids, we stopped for lunch along the riverbank where the guides prepared us a well-earned assortment of appetizers and deli sandwiches. The only signs of current civilization along the river are homes and ranches near the take-out point at the start of the trip. Once you reach the take-out, Noah’s bus will be waiting to transport you back to Ashland. You’ll get re-united with your belongings left on the bus, including a dry change of clothes. The drive back to Ashland follows the Klamath River until you reach Interstate 5, offering scenic views. Once back in Ashland, you can enjoy dinner in the plaza, with many restaurant options available. We recommend “Skout” for dinner and drinks, providing an opportunity to relax along Ashland Creek and reminisce about the day’s adventures.
It’s important to note that this is the last summer to experience rafting on the Upper Klamath River. Dam removal projects have already begun with the aim of restoring natural flows and increasing the salmon population. To make the most of this incredible whitewater experience, it is advisable to go rafting with Noah’s, Momentum, or Indigo Creek, as they all operate trips on this section of the Klamath River. Noah’s (www.noahsrafting.com) runs rafting trips seven days a week until mid-September.
Southern Oregon is truly my passion, so it’s been fun exploring it and sharing the stories with others! To discover more on Southern Oregon, please visit our website: www.expertprops.com/discovering-south-oregon/.