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River Ratings

Rivers are rated Class I - Class V depending upon the number and classification of rapids present in the river. For example, a Class III river might have two Class III rapids, one Class IV, and many Class II or Class I rapids in it.

Generally the classification of rapids is as follows:

Class I - Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions. A Class I rapid may be caused by shallows or narrowing of the river channel. The rapid will have waves of about 1 foot. As you raft over a Class I rapid, you will notice little or no vertical movement, just the sound of the small wave slapping against the bottom of the raft.

Class II - Easy rapids with waves of up to 3 feet and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. some maneuvering is required. A Class II rapid may result from a small fall, a couple of large boulders, or an abrupt narrowing of the river. In a Class II rapid, a raft will glide rather slowly down the fall and vertical movement in waves will be limited to perhaps 1 or 2 feet.

Class III - Rapids with high irregular waves. Narrow passages that require complex maneuvering. A Class III rapid may be caused by a combination of narrowing riverbed, standing waves, small falls and large boulders around which the raft must steer. Also, a high volume of water may cause waves over three feet. As the raft passes through a Class III rapid, it may knock sharply against rock and rise and fall three or more feet.

Class IV - Long rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in turbulent waters. Class IV rapids occur in narrow channels often at bends in the river. The rapid may include a fall of 4 or 5 feet, standing waves of 4-6 feet may follow or obstruct the main rapid. As you travel through a Class IV rapid, the raft will pitch and lunge at angles up to 50 degrees.

Class V - Extremely difficult, long and turbulent rapids with highly congested routes. Maneuvering is absolutely necessary. The rapid may include a fall or standing wave of up to 8 feet, holes or any combination thereof. Boat angles can go up to 80 degrees. During a Class V rapid, the raft may pitch and fall repeatedly.

Any river is only as safe as the people that guide you. Inexperienced rafters may have disasters on Class I rivers - while a professional guide will be able to expertly take you through a lengthy Class V rapid.

The Rogue Klamath River Adventures guides are truly our pride and joy. We take first-time rafters down Class IV rivers every day. From 8 to 80, we invite you to come and run the exciting rivers of California & Oregon with us. We guarantee that every effort will be made to provide you with the safest, most enjoyable experience possible - guided by our extremely competent and professional oarsmen.


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Please Note: All Rogue Klamath River Adventures trips are conducted with the permission, approvals, required permits and licenses, and within the established guidelines of: the Oregon Marine Board; The United States Department of Interior; The Bureau of Land Management - Medford and Vale District Offices, and the Klamath Falls Resource Area; the U.S. Forest Service - Rogue and Klamath National Forests.


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