Salmon River
Wild & Scenic🌿 Wilderness
Siskiyou Co. · 76 mi · Class IV–V
1,390CFS/ 3.38 ft
Optimal
Stable· +40 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 800–3000 CFS · USGS #11522500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
76 mi
Length
Class IV–V
Difficulty
800–3000 cfs
Optimal
1,450 cfs
Avg Flow
1,320 cfs
Hist. Median
#11522500
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1981) · Klamath National Forest · Marble Mountain Wilderness

Known to California paddlers as the 'Cal Salmon,' this wild tributary of the Klamath delivers some of the finest expert whitewater in the state. The Nordheimer run is a classic Class IV–V big-water test piece with crystal clear water, deep pools, and dramatic Klamath Mountains scenery. Spring snowmelt from the Marble Mountain and Trinity Alps Wilderness areas powers the run.

Trip sections
Nordheimer Run — Nordheimer Creek to Butler Flat, Class IV–V, 7 mi
Butler Flat to Forks — Class III–IV, less committing
South Fork Salmon — Class IV+, remote expert run
Outfitters
Otter Bar Lodge
Cal Salmon kayak school and guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.