I'm looking to take some friends on a 2-4 day raft trip in California
during the next week or so, and I'm trying to find the best balance of
good water levels, water quality, wilderness scenery, and river
camping. I've kayaked random sections of the Trinity, Cal-Salmon, and
Klamath and that seems like it's probably the best area right now. I
guess I could stretch out a Tuolumne trip but there's more logistical
hassle and uncertainty with the permit process there, I assume.

If Trinity or Klamath, what do you think would be the best section?
I'm comfortable taking them through anything on those except Burnt
Ranch. I've just never overnighted on either river. Thanks.

Mark

MarkB wrote:
I'm looking to take some friends on a 2-4 day raft trip in California
during the next week or so, and I'm trying to find the best balance of
good water levels, water quality, wilderness scenery, and river
camping. I've kayaked random sections of the Trinity, Cal-Salmon, and
Klamath and that seems like it's probably the best area right now. I
guess I could stretch out a Tuolumne trip but there's more logistical
hassle and uncertainty with the permit process there, I assume.

All the California multi-day wilderness runs are gone for the year,
except Forks of the Kern (permit required) and upper Kings (class V+).

I recommend the Cal Salmon. It's better than the Tuolumne (no class 2
stretch in the middle) and you hardly notice the road. Now 1500 cfs.
Just run it over and over. For variety you could start higher and get
some class 2-3 from Methodist Creek, or continue lower and run the big
rapids (The Ikes) on the Klamath.

Alternatively, you could probably get a permit on Forks of the Kern.
I'll be relinquishing mine on June 16th.