Basics
- River:
- Salmon River
- Class:
- Class IV to V
- Suitability:
- Raft
- River Length
- 15 miles
- Time:
- 1-4 Days
- Season:
- April to June
Description
As the Cal Salmon enters Nordheimer Gorge, sheer cliffs of granite and marble rise quickly on both sides of the river and the rapids start pounding. Powerful and steep class IV-V rapids punctuate this run with big falls, waves, holes and ledge drops broken by short, tranquil pools.
As the gorge eases, the rapids spread out a bit but keep their punch as the Cal Salmon winds towards its confluence with the Klamath. The Ike’s Run section of the Klamath, with more intermediate-advanced rapids, can be added for additional mileage.
Typically run in 1-2 days, or three if Ike’s is included, in the mid-late spring, the Nordheimer gorge is not for the timid and requires previous whitewater experience and good physical fitness.