The Klamath River is one of only three rivers that bisect the Cascade Mountain Range, flowing from the high-desert interior through coastal rain forest to the Pacific Ocean. Unique combinations of land forms, water and vegetation create a continually changing landscape as the river flows from desert through mountainous areas.
The Klamath River Basin has been important for indigenous peoples for over 8000 years. Today, both the Shasta Nation and the Klamath Tribes consider the canyon to be sacred and of spiritual significance. About 40 burial sites and traditional camps in the canyon add to the spiritual significance. The importance of the area draws spiritual leaders who prepare for religious and medicinal ceremonies here. The river was also an attractive location for early European settlements, providing a trail corridor through the mountains, which later became part of the Oregon-California Stagecoach line. A livery station from this period is still visible on the banks.
Recreation activities available in the Upper Klamath River include
camping at the nine designated primitive campgrounds, sightseeing,
white water rafting and kayaking the class III-V rapids, wildlife
viewing, or hiking and mountain biking. Fishing for the wild Klamath River rainbow trout, a genetically unique population able to survive the naturally high temperatures and acidity of the river, is also another favorite pastime. The water levels in the river are constant year round, due to steady releases from the John Boyle reservoir.
The diversity of habitats provides for exceptional populations of birds of prey, game and other birds, ringtail cats, river otters, and many other animals. Numerous threatened or endangered species are dependent on the Klamath River for their continued survival, including Lost River and short-nose suckers, bald and gold eagles, prairie and peregrine falcons, western pond turtles, and Townsend's big-eared bats.
If you are interested in a day rafting or fishing trip on the Klamath, please contact us @ 1800-214-0579 for information on a qualified outfitter.
Klamath River info on Wikipedia
