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Klamath National Wild & Scenic River

The Klamath River was designated a Recreational River within the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System in 1981. The Klamath River enters California from Oregon just north of the Goosenest Ranger District. As it heads west it is impounded by two dams which form Copco Lake and Iron Gate Reservoir. Nine miles further west it turns south and follows Interstate 5 for a few miles before again turning west and entering the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District. The next 85 miles provide many opportunities for recreation and scenic vistas before the river enters the Six Rivers National Forest. This is a high-use recreation zone. Human waste must be packed out. A scat machine is available in Happy Camp for disposing of collected human waste.

Our interactive river map will help you plan your river trip. It includes information on put-ins and take-puts, rapids, and potential camping sites. You will need to download Google Earth to view the map. You can also book a river trip with one of our permitted outfitters.

Before you start your river trip please complete a trip documentation card. Trip cards are available at river access sites, and may be turned in at the Happy Camp Ranger District office or dropped into one of the trip card boxes available at put-ins. The trip cards help Forest Service staff estimate river use, help us focus our limited staff resources on busier river sections, and help us know if boaters are on a river section if the need for an emergency evacuation arises.

Sections of the Klamath River downstream from Happy Camp are subject to temporary river use restrictions during the summer in observance of Karuk Tribal ceremonies. Please refer to the current schedule for information on the current year's river access restrictions.

General Information

The Klamath is a year round recreation river. Non-motorized boating, fishing, gold mining, swimming and floating are popular recreation activities.

A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. If you plan to use the services of a guide or outfitter, a special use permit may be required. See the list of Guides and Outfitters who are permitted on the Klamath National Forest.

The Klamath is subject to closures each summer for Tribal ceremonies. Please refer to the current River Access Closure Flyer for more information. This is a high use recreation zone. Human waste must be packed out. Do not bury human waste anywhere along the river corridor. Restrictions along the river vary at each site. Use this website to plan your starting, stopping and rest points along the river. Please use developed campsites whenever possible and plan ahead for the disposal of human waste. Pack out all trash and use Leave No Trace Principles for your travels on the river. Dogs on leash in developed areas and parking lots. Camping limit 14 days.

Fees are required at Tree of Heaven, Sarah Totten, and Curly Jack campgrounds.