Good weather, good food and good times are what the summer is all about. However, as we continue in our economically recessive ways, many of us are having a hard time planning frugal summer vacations. People are looking for fun things to do closer to home.
Fortunately, here in the High Sierra, paradise is out our backdoor, and provides ample opportunity to get outside, enjoy the sun and relax. From mountain biking, to hiking and beach lounging, there is something for the outdoor enthusiast in all of us.
For those interested in river rafting, whether it be through Class V rapids, or on a leisurely float on a Sunday afternoon, Rogue Klamath River Adventures (RKRA), a unique guide company owned and operated by Truckee locals Rich and Barbara Wilkinson, is happy to accommodate any whitewater wish. RKRA is a daughter company of OR-CAL Adventures, LLC, an outdoor adventure outfitter throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon. Offering unique adventures, including wine tasting tours, fishing trips, extended adventures and a ‘Pamper the Camper’ special involving fine dining, and extravagant camping amenities (fine linens, cots, pillows, and a masseuse), RKRA provides services only a small company can.
‘Our size also allows us to tailor the trip for you in ways many large companies cannot,’ Rich said. ‘For example, we’re providing a keg of micro-brewed beer to an upcoming bachelor party. It will be in their cabin waiting for them when they arrive by raft.’
Catering to special requests and providing the ultimate river experience are goals the Wilkinsons – and RKRA – strive for with every trip. They hope to make all guests comfortable and satisfyingly nourished.
‘We use only the finest, locally grown organic food. We tailor the menus to your particular likes and dislikes,’ Rich stated. ‘It’s your trip, not ours and we don’t expect you to tailor yourself to our mold as you might find with the larger commercial outfits.’
Remaining true to its family-owned-and-operated foundation, the company takes pride in making participants feel at home.
‘I think the most important thing we provide is the ‘boutique’ nature of our company. We’re family run,’ Rich explained. ‘You are dealing with the same people from the moment you call to book your trip until you leave the river.’
‘Our favorite part of each season is introducing people to the excitement and fun of rafting,’ Rich said. ‘We love watching people totally decompress from their stress-filled, day-to-day lives on our multi-day trips.’
With the summer already underway, the company has big plans for this season. With access to the Rogue River, Upper Klamath River, Lower Klamath River, Cal Salmon and/or Scott Rivers, Smith River and the Owhyee River, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring adventure.
‘We’re getting more focused this season on two rivers of ours that we haven’t run as much commercially in the past, the Smith and the Upper Sacramento,’ Rich said. ‘Our Upper Sacramento focus is group trips. The Smith is the last un-dammed river in California, filled with crystal clear snowmelt water. It winds its way to the coast through groves of Redwoods; it’s magical.’ (Editor’s Note: It is often said the Smith is the last free-flowing river in California, but according to Friends of the River, there are others, though the watersheds are not as large as that of the Smith.)
When the snowmelt begins to dry up around here, RKRA will still have access to abundant amounts of flowing rapids. ‘The Rogue and the Klamath have water all summer long. They are dam-controlled rivers,’ according to Rich. ‘So, when many California rivers are no longer run-able by July and August, our season is in full swing.’
Although the season has a few months remaining, be sure to make reservations in advance. Even when the smoke got thick last season, business boomed for the Wilkinson’s. ‘Last summer, we got a lot of business from this area and the Sac/Bay area because of all the smoke from the forest fires. The Rogue Valley was clear almost all summer long last year,’ Richard said.
The early bird gets the worm, with a variety of trips ranging from $75 half-day trips to $1,045 three-day/four-night trips for adults, and $50 half-day to $1,045 three-day/four-night trips for children. RKRA also runs a $1,700 nine-day adventure. For more information on the company, the Wilkinsons, their guides, the trips offered, and everything you need to make it happen and be prepared, go to rogueklamath.com, call 1-800-231-0769, or email info@rogueklamath.com. Support a local family, enjoy your own backyard, and get wet on the rivers this summer.
~ Discuss this article with the author, email gburchell@moonshineink.com.
