Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson is a writer whose lifelong appreciation of nature shows up frequently in his work. Meet Jonathan Previous Answers

The Trinity is the largest tributary of the Klamath. It rises in the Trinity Alps and flows through lovely mountain surroundings to the confluence. It's easy to reach from Redding or Eureka on Highway 299, and there's plenty of accomodation in the area, including about a dozen campgrounds within the Big Bar Ranger District. The river's flows are pretty consistent because of the Trinity Dam at Clair Engle Lake.

The best thing about the Trinity is that it has something for everyone, from still pools for fishing to the Class V rapids in Burnt Ranch Gorge. In your case, just downstream from Big Flat there are about a dozen Class II rapids, separated by slow stretches where you can watch for wildlife such as otter and beaver. And when you gain a little more experience, there's plenty of Class III stuff on other parts of the river. You can even do multi-day trips. Just stay upstream of Cedar Flat, where the Burnt Ranch run begins, until you are an expert rafter and your husband learns to swim!

Incidentally, Trinity River Rafting, at (800) 307-4837, will arrange a shuttle for you, or a fully outfitted self-guided trip.

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