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The river season in
Siskiyou County begins with the first snowmelt in early spring, and
the fun lasts throughout the summer and into autumn's beauty! With
its combination of whitewater, wildlife, and fabulous mountain
scenery, a rafting or kayaking adventure in Mount Shasta Country is
an unforgettable experience. Contact any of the area
outfitters and river guides
for latest river conditions and availability of guided trips, and
for their schedules through spring and summer, the height of the
boating season.
Motor boats, fishing boats and Klamath River drift boats bring more
Siskiyou County boating fun. Jet ski rentals at Lake Shastina, and
waterskiing on some of northern California's nicest reservoirs,
offer adventures for those who love speed and splash. Canoe trails
and quiet mountain lakes create a special opportunity for wildlife
viewing and bird watching. Windsurfing is popular in the spring and
fall. |
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Whitewater Rafting
River rafting is fun
for everyone! Family float trips provide an opportunity for parents,
grandparents and children to reconnect while enjoying the natural beauty
along one of Siskiyou County's wild and scenic rivers. Children as young
as three will delight in the excitement of "running" playful Class II
rapids, while older children can learn to paddle an inflatable kayak or
enjoy tubing along side the raft.
Experienced rafters will find some of the best Class III to Class V
whitewater in the country from spring through summer on the Salmon,
Scott, Upper Klamath and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Just a half hour from
downtown Mt. Shasta, boaters can put in on the Upper Sacramento at Sims,
where a steady stream of rapids keeps paddlers and guides busy all day.
In springtime, the Class IV and V sections of the Salmon are full of big
holes, technical moves and strong hydraulics that guarantee to keep your
heart pounding. For more spring excitement, try the class IV and V
sections of the Scott, winding through a remote canyon with tight
technical boulder gardens, big drops and white knuckled excitement.
Through the spring and long beyond, some of the best summer whitewater
on the West Coast is found on the Upper Klamath.
Booking a rafting trip with an experienced guide service is your best
way to have a safe, exciting and unforgettable experience. Boating
equipment, state of the art life jackets, meals and beverages are
included in the cost. Trips are available to suit everyone, from mellow
waters just right for young families, to rapids for beginners and
experienced adventurers...from one day outings to multiple day camping
excursions. Contact the guide services
listed below for details.
- Check water levels in Siskiyou County rivers and streams at the
U. S. G. S.
web site.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the
fastest growing sports in the country, and the exciting waters of
Siskiyou County provide the perfect environment for learning and
expanding kayak paddling skills. Several guide companies offer
instruction, from beginning classes to advanced playboating clinics.
Lessons vary from a few hours to several days, with all equipment
provided.
Gentle lake kayaks are also available on Lake Siskiyou and other area
lakes, both as rentals from the beach at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, to
guided lake tours from Osprey Outdoors.
Boating, Canoes and
Windsurfing
Fishing boats are allowed
on most lakes in Siskiyou County, but there are some restrictions on
motors in Wildlife Areas and smaller mountain lakes. Check with Fish and
Wildlife or a nearby ranger station for special restrictions.
Speedboats, jet skis and waterskiing are allowed on the McCloud
Reservoir, Lake Shastina, Copco Lake and Iron Gate Reservoir. These
lakes are all uncrowded, picturesque, and with camping and services
nearby.
The
Fun Factory,
based in Lake Shastina, is your source for jet ski rentals at Lake
Shastina.
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
offers boat rentals from paddle boats to motorized fishing boats and
family-sized patio boats.
Canoeing is popular at many of the smaller lakes and wildlife areas.
Castle Lake is a favorite for locals. It is fun to paddle up to the
small waterfalls along the cliff across from the parking area. Also
check out the
Canoe Trails
at the Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and Klamath Marsh Refuges near Tule lake
in Eastern Siskiyou County. The Upper Klamath canoe trail is the most
extensive and diverse of the trails. It is also open year round. The
Tule Lake and Klamath Marsh canoe trails are open from July 1 through
September 30 each year. Canoes may be rented for use at Upper Klamath
Refuge from nearby concessionaires.
Windsurfing is best in the spring and fall on both Lake Siskiyou and
Lake Shastina, favorite spots for short-board windsurfers.
Rafting and Kayaking Guides:
The following list includes
Rafting Guide Companies offering services in Siskiyou County.
Living Waters Recreation,
Tom Harris, Mt. Shasta CA 96067. 530-926-5446, 1-800-994-RAFT (7238)
Whitewater Rafting Guides running river trips in California and
Oregon.
Osprey Outdoors Kayak School,
Michael Kirwin, Mt. Shasta CA 96067. 530-926-6310
Kayak instruction, classes, and clinics. Guided lake tours.
River Dancers,
John and Chantal McDermott, Mt. Shasta CA 96067. 530-926-3517
Whitewater rafting on California and Oregon rivers. Kayak
instruction.
Riverside Rafting, 530-627-3239
Whitewater rafting guides.
Turtle River Rafting Co.,
Rick Demarest, Mt. Shasta CA 96067. 530-926-3223, 800-726-3223
Whitewater rafting on the Upper Sacramento, Scott, Salmon, Klamath
and Owyhee.
Wilderness Adventures,
108 Ski Village Drive, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. 530-926-6282,
1-800-323-RAFT(7238).
Whitewater rafting and other adventure trips throughout the Western
US.
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