John C. Boyle Reservoir, artificial impoundment in the U.S. state of Oregon
John C. Boyle Reservoir is a man-made lake on the Klamath River in Oregon created by a dam, covering about 381 acres with depths reaching 45 feet (14 meters). Forested areas surround the water, and the site included recreational facilities such as a campground, boat ramp, and fishing pier at the Topsy Recreation Site.
The dam and reservoir were built in the 1950s to generate hydroelectric power and renamed in 1962 after John C. Boyle, a leader at the power company that owned the facility. In recent years, efforts have focused on removing the dam to restore natural river flow and allow fish such as salmon to return to their historic spawning areas.
The reservoir has long been part of the local community's outdoor traditions, serving as a gathering place for families and anglers who valued the land and water. The site represented a way of life centered on fishing, camping, and spending time in nature with others.
Access to the site is via Oregon Route 66 near Klamath Falls and Keno, where visitors can fish, boat, and picnic along the shore. Check current conditions before visiting, as water levels shift and some areas may be restricted due to ongoing restoration work.
The reservoir is undergoing a transformation as the dam is being removed to restore the river to its natural flow and allow salmon and steelhead to return to their historic spawning grounds. This makes it a rare example of river restoration where visitors can witness ecological recovery in real time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
