A multi-day campout with multiple runs on the Klamath River just across the border in California was organized by Lee and Ellen P. over the extended weekend of June 11th through 13th.

Lee and Ellen were joined Thursday evening by Rob S., Clarence L., and Phil and daughter Sonja B. plus Blue, the (somewhat reluctant) canoe dog. Lee and Ellen’s son Linus arrived later as did Lana L. with Richard H. Lance and Diane from Corvallis plus a couple from central CA (long-term friends) joined some of the runs.

We camped at the "Tree of Heaven" campground off highway 96 about 8 miles west of the Collier rest stop on I-5. It was clean and well maintained, with running water and campfire wood available. The weather was great throughout our stay.

Since the only kayaks were one hard-shell and several IK’s, this was one Cascade CANOE Club event which was dominated by canoes!

Over the period from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon, we made runs with some repeats from Collier at I-5 to the campground (about 8 miles), from the campground downriver to an improved takeout below Lumgrey Creek (about 7 miles), and from Lumgrey Creek to the town of Klamath River (4 miles). The river is dam-controlled, and was at a very good level for all the runs. The gradient is fairly continuous with lots of riffles and Class 1-2 rapids to keep things interesting. Lance with wife and friends ran the upper section from Irongate Dam to I-5 and reported that it was relatively tame. Clarence L.

We encountered one solid Class 3 - the Schoolhouse Rapid - which is conveniently scouted from river right and can be easily portaged to avoid or re-run. It is a fairly clean drop followed by large standing waves (in use by whitewater playboaters). Some of our group successfully avoided the large waves, some took an exciting if unintentional ride directly through them, and there was one spill and swim - which served to check the (pleasant) water temperature. Richard took a number of good photos at this location which were made available on-line at OFOTO.com. We have purchased at least one set, if anyone would like to review same.

On Sunday some of us repeated the best run(s), then packed up and left for home -- tired but pleased after a most enjoyable outing. - Clarence

We received write-ups from two people. The first is written by Clarence. The second one by Horst.

On Saturday, July 11th, Horst L. led a very enjoyable classic McKenzie run from the McKenzie Bridge Campground to Finn Rock.

Horst in his IK and Clarence in his hardshell rec kayak were joined by Stephen from Salem (rec kayak) and Brooke with daughter Jill (whitewater kayaks). The latter three all came down from Corvallis.

The McKenzie was reported to be running about 2400 cfs at Vida, and provided plenty of thrills with standing wave action and rock eddy play spots throughout. The weather was great for a day on the river.

Lana had advised that the "S-curve" near the highway below Rainbow was probably the most significant challenge. There was also one serious play-hole being used by white-water performers and located about 2/3 of the way through the run on river right (Redsides?); it was wisely and easily avoided by all members of our group. Clarence L.

We did have a couple of spills, and lost one paddle -- fortunately Horst was carrying a backup paddle, which saved the day. As a long-shot chance, any readers of this newsletter are advised that it was an unmarked Werner kayak paddle with white blades -- please contact Horst or any CCC member if it is found. Incidentally, did you catch two important morals to this story?? (1) The trip leader should always be sure that there is at least one spare paddle on the run. (2) Each person’s paddle should be identified by waterproof marker with a name and phone number. - Clarence

- Horst

On Thursday, July 15th, Lana L. led another classic McKenzie run from Finn Rock to Helfrich Landing in beautiful on-the-water weather.

Lana and Rich were joined by Charlie, Lyn, Clarence, and two Rob’s -- one with his son Brooke who was home on a visit from his activities in Taiwan. We had six IK’s, one hardshell rec kayak, and Rob S. was in his new whitewater canoe.

This run put in where Horst’s July 11th run took out -- the river was still in good form at about 2400 cfs, and the stretch had lots of action and fun spots. Lana advised in advance that Brown’s Hole can be something of a trap, and several of us easily avoided it toward river right.

Near the end of the run, we beached just above Marten Rapids (Class 3), and were advised on what to expect and the best approach/line by Lana and Lyn. There is an option to take out and be picked up from the road just above this rapid, but we all chose to run it and did so without incident. A very EXCITING ride!! A pro photographer named Fred shoots most everyone who runs (or swims) past this spot, and proofs of his photos can be found on the web about a week later via Riverphoto.com. - Clarence