Klamath River, Major river system in Northern California and Southern Oregon, United States
The Klamath River is a major river system that flows approximately 257 miles from Upper Klamath Lake through the Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The river passes through mountainous terrain with varied landscapes and features numerous rapids of different intensities throughout its course.
The California Gold Rush of the 1850s brought many settlers to the Klamath River basin, creating tensions with Native American tribes over land and resources. This period shaped the region profoundly and left lasting impacts on local communities.
The Karuk, Yurok, and Hupa peoples hold deep ties to this river through traditional salmon fishing that continues to shape tribal ceremonies and seasonal gatherings. You can see this connection reflected in the riverside communities where these practices remain part of daily and ceremonial life.
The river offers whitewater rafting with different difficulty levels, especially between Happy Camp and Orleans, with the best conditions in spring and summer. Visitors should know that weather and water flow vary greatly depending on the season.
Four major dams along the river underwent removal in 2023, marking the largest river restoration project in United States history. This action allowed salmon to reach upper river sections for the first time in over a century.
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