Most paddlers think of raucus Class IV/V rapids when they think of the Salmon River (Karuk: Masúshav), but this section is not like that at all. From Forks of Salmon to Nordheimer (Karuk: Itróovutihirak), the river flows through a low gradient reach with numerous Class II rapids, surf waves, and some interesting boils and folds. It is the least challenging section of the entire 19.2-mile-long river, and it offers a great and worthwhile Salmon River experience. It's a recommended add-on for any boaters that are camping at Nordheimer Campground and boating the
Methodist Run on the South Fork Salmon or the
North Fork Canyon: why not just paddle back to camp?
This is an excellent run for newer paddlers, drift boat anglers during fishing season, and those just looking for a beautiful run without too much to stress about. It's suited for all craft and is even a good tubing run in summer. Wildlife is abundant and it isn't unusual to see packs of otters, mergansers, herons, eagles, deer, mink, and bear. There is more private property along this run than on most others on the Salmon River: you'll see about four homes from the river but will float through several private properties along the way.
You'll easily recognize the take-out as the rocky beach at the confluence with Nordheimer Creek on river left.
Nordheimer Campground is the most common place for boaters to camp when visiting the Salmon River. There is a good map with river information for the entire watershed at the campground.
Logistics
*Put-in*
The put-in is accessed by the dirt road that heads down to the river from the 17-mile marker on Salmon River Road. This is directly across from the white community club building near the elementary school. As of April 2025, this river access is signed. Follow this road downhill and in the upriver direction all the way until you reach an obvious sandy beach at river level. It is possible to back a trailer to the water's edge. The last part of the road is rough and high clearance and/or 4WD is required. You can also park and walk the rough part easily, just park so that other vehicles can access the beach and shore.
*Take-out*
The take-out is the
Nordheimer River Access at the back of
Nordheimer Campground. From the river, you'll recognize the take-out by the confluence of Nordheimer Creek on river left (if you go past here you're headed into the Class IV/V
Nordheimer Run and the next official take-out is over six miles downstream at
Butler Creek River Access). The river access road linking the river bar to the campground was repaired in summer 2024 and is currently in good, 2WD drivable condition.
Bike shuttling is easy and highly recommended. The road parallels the river, usually out of sight, for the entire run and the bike ride is relatively flat.
Additional Information
Salmon River Restoration Council's Whitewater Recreation Page - great overview and detail on the whitewater of the Salmon River drainage
Salmon River Hazards Map - map of known hazards in the river and tributaries