Flowing from snowcapped Mount Shasta and the rugged Trinity Mountains, the headwaters of California’s largest river, offers a feeling of remote wilderness as it winds its way through a narrow mountain canyon. Exciting for novice and experienced rafters alike, this is also one of the best whitewater rivers in California for inflatable kayakers — fast and fun. Because of the unusually cold spring and continued snow run off we were able to take a 10 mile trip down the "Upper Sac" guided by our able skipper, Coyote Ken.
Along the way we saw Indian Rhubarb blooming creek side as well as an assortment of other wildflowers. We were escorted on our journey by a beautiful osprey. The bird would fly ahead of us and roost until we reached the spot. It would then take flight for the next leg of the journey. Towards the end of the run the bird gracefully swept down into the river and rose with a trout it its talons. The water was incredibly clear so we could easily spot fish both large and small. Tim espied a snake sunning itself on the river bank rocks with its tail in the water, presumably to keep it cool.
There were class three rapids as well as serene river spots. We almost lost Doug and Scott at two separate points in time. The water was cold but rejuvenating. We emerged at the end of our journey soaked but delighted with the experience.
Our trusty raft.
Coyote Ken
A placid view of the Upper Sac. Unfortunately I couldn't take pictures during the white water portions of the run for fear of damaging or losing the camera. But the placid areas were quite special.
We stopped for lunch along the river. Here Nancy is erecting her cairn. There were many built in a variety of shapes and sizes.
This is the Indian Rhubarb. Here it is growing in an area under an overhanging rock ledge. The leaves were as big as dinner plates. The plants in the sun had lovely pink blossoms.
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