The longest continuous ridgeline in the lower 48 is a forested escarpment in far northern California called South Fork Mountain. The longest undammed river in California is the South Fork of the Trinity, at the mountain’s base. Given those titles, both ridge and river demand exploration for a geography geek like me.

The Trinity Alps and Mt. Shasta viewed from South Fork Mountain

AI might not support the South Fork claim, but the fact remains that the Klamath is still dammed, twice, near its source in Oregon. The Smith River, too, originates north of the border. Only the South Trin lies entirely within the golden state. When the Eel River dams come down, that river will be the longest free-flowing California stream by far. For now, it is the South Trinity.

But this is all academic. It’s the 5 days of backwoods boating that drew me, Seth Ricker (innovative fish biologist and cover boy for Whitewater Classics), and Jon Hirsh (my first BQR interview) to the South Fork. We rigged beneath the highway bridge, seeking cover from the last of a storm which boosted the flow from marginal to medium-low.

There are few whitewater mysteries on the South Trinity. If a pool or a good eddy is visible from above, it’s usually a go. If the river vanishes into boulder and froth, it’s probably a portage.

We portaged 7 times over 5 days. Ricker would’ve run one of those if he weren’t such a team player. Two others had lines for the talented and brave. The other four were “no doubt” portages, only paddled in our fantasies. (Although I believe everything except one—Wintoon Gorge— has been run at one time or another.)

We didn’t care. The camping was brilliant. The scenery was lovely. The rapids between the portages were fun. Next time, another five days to the Ocean is in order.