The newly restored Klamath River is quickly becoming a premier destination for outdoor recreation following the historic removal of four major dams along the wild and scenic river. As of mid-2025, several new river access sites have opened in both California and Oregon, including Copco Valley (K’utárawáx·u), Fall Creek (K’účasčas), and Iron Gate in Siskiyou. These sites offer a raw, immersive experience of a river in ecological recovery, making it an exciting time to explore this historic transformation in Siskiyou County. Here are some ways that you can explore the Klamath River.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The river now features Class III–IV rapids, offering thrilling runs for experienced paddlers. Outfitters are beginning to offer guided trips, especially in the more technical sections. Some local guide outfitters serving this wild and scenic river are Momentum River Expeditions and Tributary Whitewater Rafting. They offer guided trips ranging from half-day to multi-day adventures. Some include luxury-style backcountry camping (“glamping”) along the river
Fishing
The dam removals reopened over 400 miles of historic salmon habitat. This has allowed Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead trout, and Pacific lamprey to return to spawning grounds they haven’t accessed in over a century. With the river’s ecosystem recovering, fishing opportunities are expected to improve significantly. Here are some of the fishing opportunities and guides that can be found on the Klamath.
Wildlife Viewing & Photography
The restored river corridor is attracting more wildlife, making it a scenic spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Bald Eagles and Ospreys are frequently seen along the river, as well as Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers. River otters, beavers, black bear, deer and even mountain lions can be spotted from the shores and in the forests surrounding the Klamath River. Wild Horses can even be seen along roaming the shores of the river and near the Hornbrook area.
(image: @laurmango)
Hiking & Picnicking
While many access sites are still under construction until August 1, 2025, limited amenities like parking and port-a-potties are available at some locations.
K’utárawáx·u (Grizzly Hill / Copco Valley)
- Open with limited parking and river access.
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 12:30–1:30 PM and 5:30–6:30 PM.
- Note: This site is near Class IV rapids
- Nonadvanced boaters should use the Access 1 recreation site upstream to exit the channel prior to rapids and hazardous waters downstream, until the site is fully open.
- Full opening expected August 1, 2025
Fall Creek (K’účasčas)
- Open with limited amenities (limited river access, port-a-potty, no seating areas)
- Recreation users accessing the temporary site from Copco Road will cross Daggett bridge.
- Open daily from 7:00am – 7:00pm. Gates will be open only during these designated hours. Please note, users will not be able to enter or exit the site outside of the designated hours.
- Opening of the permanent site on river right expected August 1, 2025
- Offers scenic views and access to calmer stretches of the river
Iron Gate
- Located near the former Iron Gate Reservoir.
- Open for limited use; full amenities expected by August 1, 2025
- Limited parking and limited amenities (limited river access, port-a-potty, no seating areas)
- Open daily from 7:00am – 7:00pm
- Full opening expected August 1
Note: The river is still undergoing natural changes, and hazards like downed trees and shifting rapids are present. Visitors should use caution, wear life jackets, and check site-specific access hours and conditions. Also, many sites are near sacred tribal lands. Visitors are encouraged to always use respect when encountering cultural and ecological sites.