Klamath River Multi-Day Rafting: 3-Day Ukonom Falls & Whitewater Adventure

Rafting · Happy Camp

Klamath River Multi Day - 3 Day 2 Night Rafting Trip

Three days of Class III–V whitewater, sandy beach camps, and a hike-only-by-raft to Ukonom Falls on the Klamath River. Swap screens for starlight and river noise on a multi-day run that blends technical rapids with gentle floats.

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Duration3 days (2 nights)
LocationHappy Camp, California
OperatorSix Rivers Rafting Inc.
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

Klamath River Multi Day - 3 Day 2 Night Rafting Trip

Three days of Class III–V whitewater, sandy beach camps, and a hike-only-by-raft to Ukonom Falls on the Klamath River. Swap screens for starlight and river noise on a multi-day run that blends technical rapids with gentle floats.

The Klamath River unwinds through a hot- and cold-streaked country north of Happy Camp, California, carving a corridor of whitewater, broad sand bars, and basalt-walled canyons. On the Klamath River Multi Day — 3 Day 2 Night Rafting Trip you trade signals and screens for the steady drama of current and campfire: three days that stitch together Class III–V rapids, cliff jumps, a hike to Ukonom Falls, and long stretches of lazy float that end on sun-baked beaches. You meet at Curley Jack Campground for a morning safety briefing, fit for a helmet and PFD, and push off with a guide and a gear boat carrying tents, food, and drybags.

The upper Klamath is one of California’s first National Wild and Scenic river reaches and still runs free to the Pacific; its channel cuts through volcanic and sedimentary beds that produce riffles, braided bars, and sheer bluffs. That geology makes both punchy rapids and broad, protected beaches perfect for setting camp. This trip is designed for families and committed adults alike: the operator supplies all meals, group gear, paddles, PFDs, and vehicle transport between put-in and takeout.

Sleeping pads are provided and tents or sleeping bags can be loaned with advance notice. Days are lift-and-drop sequences of whitewater, swimming holes, and guided hikes—most notably the trail up to Ukonom Falls, accessible only by watercraft, where a cool plunge pool waits beneath a curtain of basalt. Wildlife is part of the program: the Klamath supports nearly 100 mammal species and roughly 280 bird species across riparian willow, oak, and pine stands.

Keep binoculars ready for ospreys, kingfishers, river otters, and deer grazing near dawn. After dark, the absence of urban glow makes for spectacular stargazing; guides often end evenings with stories, simple meals, and quiet stretches under the Milky Way. Because the river mixes technical whitewater with calm floats, the trip suits adventurous paddlers who can swim and tolerate dynamic conditions; guides tailor lines and boat placements for skill levels.

Prepare with river shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and a small drybag for personal items. Expect unplugged days, sandy camps, and a sensory reset—no phones, just the river’s noise and the crackle of campfire. For anyone chasing raw river running, fast water, and beachside camp life in northern California, the Klamath’s three-day run is hard to beat.

Meals are prepared riverside with hearty breakfasts and dinners; guides accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen, and plan for temperature swings from cool mornings to warm afternoons. Reservations require a deposit and a two-week cancellation window; check availability through the provided referral link and confirm tent or sleeping bag loaners when you book.

Enjoy genuine river time.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Wear secure river shoes

    Choose shoes with drainage and grippy tread to protect feet on rocks and when exiting boats; avoid flip-flops.

    essential
  2. 02
    Pack layered insulation

    Mornings and nights can be cool; pack fleece or wool layers even for summer trips.

    info
  3. 03
    Reserve sleeping kit in advance

    Sleeping bags and tents are available but must be reserved—confirm loaners before arrival.

    essential
  4. 04
    Practice basic paddle commands

    Know or ask your guide to teach forward/back and brace strokes to help in rapids and quick maneuvers.

    warning
DifficultyChallenging
Duration3 days (2 nights)
FitnessModerate to fit: participants should be comfortable swimming, hiking short distances, and riding in moving water for multiple days.
Technical skillsSwimming proficiency, Comfort with moving water, Basic paddling strokes

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

River shoes with toe protection

Protects feet on rocks and provides traction during entries and exits.

Essential
02

Small dry bag (10–20L)

Keeps phone, headlamp, and small personal items dry in your personal drybag.

Essential
03

Layered insulating clothing (wool/fleece)

Warm mornings and cool nights require insulating mid-layers, especially in spring.

springEssential
04

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Long sunny stretches on open water expose you to strong UV—protect skin and eyes.

summerEssential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Sandy bars and beaches along daily take-out stretches that are perfect for afternoon swims, The hike-access-only Ukonom Falls plunge pool reached by raft or kayak

Wildlife

Local fauna

River otter, Osprey

History

Historic heritage

The Klamath River was among the first California rivers designated National Wild and Scenic, and this reach remains a rare free-flowing corridor to the Pacific.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Practice Leave No Trace on campsites and sandy bars, and follow guide instructions to minimize impacts; river health depends on careful waste and fire management.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Bow of the raft running a rapid, Sandy beach camp at dusk, Rim above the Ukonom Falls plunge pool
Subjects
River rapids and basalt cliffs, Wildlife like ospreys and otters, Night-sky starfields over camp
Best times
Golden hour, Sunrise, After sunset/starlight

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What is the minimum age to join this trip?

The trip listing shows a minimum age of 7, though the operator recommends guests be at least 8 for comfort; contact the outfitter with younger participants.

What gear is included?

All meals, group gear, paddles, PFDs, helmets, and vehicle transport from put-in to takeout are included; sleeping pads are provided and tents or sleeping bags can be loaned if reserved.

How technical are the rapids?

The upper stretch includes Class III–V rapids; guides manage lines and adjust runs to match group skill, but participants should be comfortable with moving water.

Where do we meet for check-in?

The meeting point is Curley Jack Campground; arrive at the listed check-in time for briefing and gear fitting.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes—guides prepare riverside meals and can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice when booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Trips require a deposit; cancellations generally need at least two weeks’ notice for a refund—confirm specific terms at booking.

Six Rivers Rafting Inc.

Klamath River Multi-Day Rafting: 3-Day Ukonom Falls & Whitewater Adventure