Forks Of Salmon
Siskiyou county
CALIFORNIAFacilities & Rates
[ OVERVIEW ]Otter Bar is a destination retreat located in California’s far northwest corner. The location is remote and magnificent, the atmosphere intimate and friendly. Our goal is to offer the finest experience available. Whether you come to visit and kayak the world renowned Salmon River, hike in the wilderness, road bike, or simply relax, this is a very special part of the world to do it.
The property can accommodate 14 guests in single, double & triple occupancy rooms appointed with such amenities as: hardwood floors, French doors leading to private decks, comfortable bedding and cozy living areas with Wi-Fi Internet.
Our concept is simple: keep it small, personable, and first class.
When you’re here, the lodge and property are yours.
[ RATES ]Booking and Rates
As a thanks to our community, we are happy to offer a discount for returning Otter Bar Kayak School clients who organize a group.
PLEASE NOTE:
Our typical max occupancy is 14 people, and we generally cannot do stays shorter than our 4 day minimum due to the remote nature of our operation. However, feel free to call or email us to discuss options.
If you are interested in booking for a wedding please reach out to discuss size and amenities.
[ FACILITIES ]The Lodge
4 Bedrooms
There are 4 bedrooms in the lodge. Most rooms sleep two; one room is a single and one room can sleep 4.
4 Bathrooms
There are two communal bathrooms within the lodge shared by 3 bedrooms. In addition to these two bathrooms, there is another bathroom off of the hot tub and sauna, complete with an outdoor shower and a lovely view.
The large, 4 person bedroom has a private bathroom.
Kitchen & Kitchenette
The lodge has a fully stocked kitchen with stainless steel counter tops, 3 sinks, a large range and oven, refrigerator, freezer, food processor and mixer.
There is also a kitchenette in the lodge with a two burner range and sink.
Due to electricity restrictions, there is not a microwave on site.
Living Room & Dining Room
The communal dining area includes the kitchenette, buffet serving area, large bar top with seating for 8, a beautiful, 15 person dining table, a wood burning stove and a small living area. The dining area comes fully stocked with cloth napkins, placemats, runners and table cloths.
The warm and welcoming second living area is just off of the communal dining area. It includes a couch, two comfortable recliners, a fireplace and a television.
The Cabins
3 Cabins
There are three cabins on the property.
One has a full bed and a twin, as well as a small loft and private bathroom.
The two other cabins each have a queen bed and a twin, as well as private bathrooms.
Each cabin has its own private deck and chairs.
Peaceful seclusion
The three cabins are the most lovely places to stay on the property. They are just feet away from one of the spring fed ponds on the property, and a 1-2 minute walk from the lodge.
The Property
Outdoor Hot Tub
The lodge has a large, 8 person outdoor hot tub. With views of the grounds and mountains, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day of play.
Wood-Fired Sauna
The wood fired sauna, made with cedar and redwood boasts a beautiful mountain view.
Outdoor dining and lawn games
The lodge has a two large picnic tables for outdoor dining. These tables seat 20.
In the front of the lodge there is a pingpong table, hammock, and corn hole set.
Tent Camping
There is ample space for tent camping on the property if hosting larger groups like weddings or reunions. Please inquire if you are interested in renting out the property for a larger event.
The Intangibles
Beaches, Swimming Holes & Ponds
There are three spring fed ponds on our 60 acre property, as well a 1 mile of river frontage. The 3 swimming holes allow for lounging, cliff jumping, swimming and snorkeling.
Other local gems
Beyond the swimming holes on the property, there are beautiful swimming holes, creeks, hikes, lakes and more in the local area. We can point you to some very special spots if you’d like to explore.
Intensely Remote
Otter Bar Lodge is intensely remote, with no local eateries or stores. Due to the remote nature of the area, you are apt to see wildlife such as herons, eagles, osprey, deer, fish, and even otters and bears, if you’re lucky. The remoteness also means that the stars shine brightly at night, and seeing the milky way stretch across the sky is a nearly nightly experience.
Modern Comfort
Our lodge is completely off the grid. This means we utilize solar and hydro power to power the lodge and all the water for the lodge is spring fed. There is no cell service in our area, however we have Wifi throughout the lodge and cabins for your convenience.
Weddings
The ideal off-the grid experience
Otter Bar is a wonderful place to get married. If you are looking for remote rustic beauty, camping accommodations and spectacular scenery, this is an incredible place for your special day. We do ask that all guests stay on the property or camp nearby, as there are no alternative lodging options for guests.
Love on the river
Otter Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, and is best suited for a wedding that flows at a similar speed. Your guests should be ready to camp, utilize porta-potties, and not have access to electrical beauty items like curling irons and hair dryers.
[ FAQs ]Frequently Asked Questions
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All bedding including towels. A completely equipped kitchen. Sauna and hot tub. 7X bedroom and 7X bathrooms. WiFi provided throughout.
There is a TV however there is not a streaming service included with the TV, so please bring your own if you would like.
*Note There is no cell coverage in this area.
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Our rooms are best described as a ‘Bed & Breakfast’ type.
Bunk room - 4 beds (1 queen, 3 twins), private bathroom, pond view, private deck.
Upstairs room - 1 bed (queen), shared bathroom, 180 degree view, private deck.
Middle Room - 2 beds (1 full, 1 twin), shared bathroom, shared deck.
End Room - 2 beds (1 full, 1 twin), shared bathroom, shared deck.
Cabin: Loft House - 2 beds (1 full, 1 twin), private bathroom, pond view, private deck.
Cabin: Westerly - 2 beds (1 queen, 1 twin), private bathroom, pond view, private deck.
Cabin: Manzanita - 2 beds (1 queen, 1 twin), private bathroom, pond view, private deck.
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No. All meals are self catered, bring your own food for all meals. We have lots of refrigeration and freezers and a full kitchen. Note: there is no microwave on site due to limited electricity.
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If you’re lucky enough to know a chef/cook/kayak guide, you may bring them along for no extra cost and we will provide lodging for them in our staff area.
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April and May the water will be cold, and if you’re kayaking you’ll need a dry suit/top or wet suit. The weather could be clear, 70 degrees and sunny, or cold & wet. Be prepared.
In June it’s changing into summer; therefore, the water is warmer and you may only need your bathing suit. Best to check in with us shortly before you come here to be sure, as you might need something warmer.
In July and August, the water and weather are very warm. 80-90 degree days are common. The water is around 75-80 degrees.
Check current weather and river flows here.
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Guests need to bring ALL their own equipment including boats. OBL is no longer an all inclusive kayak school. We do have a few SUP’s and sit on top kayaks available to use on the property.
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There are no gas stations in Forks of Salmon. You should fill up after you get off the freeway (in Arcata or Yreka) and you’re headed towards Otter Bar.
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Yes and No. There is no cell phone coverage, however, there is Wi-Fi. We do not have regular television reception, only DVD’s. Please feel free to bring a streaming device/streaming player/media streamer.
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The deposit can be sent in with the reservation form or fill out the reservation form on our website and it will come to us via our email. The deposit confirms your week. The balance is due 45 days prior to the beginning of your week. There will be no refunds after this point and you should always take out trip insurance in case you can’t make it for whatever reason. We do not send you a bill, as well as prefer checks instead of credit cards.
You can find many options to purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE on the website:
www.squaremouth.com/travel -
You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email, or phone. We aim to respond quickly.
At Otter Bar Lodge, we generate our own power, have exquisite private beaches with swimming holes along the Salmon River, a network of road & mountain biking roads, walking trails and a mix of rolling lawns and native forest. There are no commercial establishments anywhere near us.
Our region is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, exceptional wild lands, and wild rivers. Both the Salmon and Klamath Rivers are part of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.
A large part of our business is from returning guests and business generated by word-of-mouth.
See what some of our guests have to say about Otter Bar.