Kayaking & Canoeing Scott River California

The free-flowing Scott River drains the east side of the Marble Mountain Wilderness and the northern and eastern slopes of the Salmon-Trinity Alps. It is a sister to the California Salmon and shares many of its attributes, although its season is a bit shorter than the Salmon’s because of the drier climate of Scott River country. It was named for John Scott who discovered gold here in 1850 and is part of the National Wild and Scenic River system.

This seldom-run river promises non-stop whitewater adventure in a lush green canyon with bountiful cascading side creeks. While there are a few sections of Class III, most of the Scott River is for expert boaters only.With some of the finest Class IV and V whitewater in the state, paddlers will need to perform tight technical moves around boulder gardens, and steer their crafts through huge, adrenaline-pumping drops.

This is an easy drive for those based out of Ashland and Mt. Shasta, and a great trip for experienced paddlers looking for some serious Class V rapids.