California recreation

California recreation sites around the former locations of Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs were closed in 2023 by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation. For questions, contact the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (info@klamathrenewal.org, 530-670-0016) or Siskiyou County (lkdinfo@co.siskiyou.ca.us).

Upper Klamath River and rafting

Immediately downstream of the J.C. Boyle Dam site, the Klamath River enters a series of rugged, deep gorges and narrow canyons. In 1994, the section of river between the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse and California state line was designated a National Wild and Scenic River by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Bureau of Land Management manages the river in cooperation with the State of Oregon. Water releases into the Klamath River are managed by Bureau of Reclamation and made from Keno Dam. To learn about whitewater rafting opportunities in Upper Klamath River please contact the Klamath Falls office of the BLM at 541-883-6916.

Our parks and river access areas

In 2023, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation closed all recreation sites around Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs. For information on the dam removal project, including timelines and potential future recreational opportunities, please visit the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s website