Kayaking in Northern California: Enthusiasts, Area Businessowners Tout Sport

Pristine rivers, unique canyons, forested wilderness, and an array of challenging courses to run. Those are just a few of the many reasons to go kayaking in the north state, says Michael Kirwin, owner and operator of Osprey Outdoors Kayak School in Mount Shasta.

"The Salmon, Scott, Upper Sacramento, Klamath, and the Trinity are all rivers that offer superb whitewater kayaking experiences," Kirwin said.

The scenery is not the only reason for a trip down any of the rivers in Northern California. The north state also offers several options for kayakers of different skill levels. Beginners to experts, kayakers of any experience can find the run for them here. The classes of difficulty, from one (calm waters) to six (roaring rapids), can all be found here in Northern California.

"You can find all levels of kayaking on the rivers in this area, from beginner to expert," said Kirwin. "Sections (here in Northern California) that compete with the finest rivers in the world."

"Some of the most challenging runs in the country are right here in Northern California," said John Yates, owner of Shasta Climbing and Paddle Sports in Redding. "Right in our backyard."

The upper Sacramento River is a popular area for all classes. There are sections for beginners, intermediate and advanced, according to John McDermott co-owner (with wife Chantal) of River Dancers in Mount Shasta. There are also beginner sections on the Klamath River, McDermott said.

The section of the Sacramento River that flows through Dunsmuir is a good area for those in the intermediate skill level, McDermott also noted. Another intermediate section of the upper Sacramento is the Sims Runs, which goes from Sims to Gibson and can continue on to Pollard Flat or even to Lamoine, Yates said.