Klamath
08. Iron Gate to Sarah Totten CG
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 49 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 13 fpm |
| Gauge | Klamath R Bl Iron Gate Dam Ca |
| Flow Rate as of 51 minutes | 1420 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 3, 2025 |
Projects
A series of four dams on the Klamath River (originally licensed as FERC P-2082 and then as FERC P-14803) operated by PacifiCorp devastated salmon populations on what was one of the nation’s most productive salmon rivers. These dams produced very little power, relative to their environmental impacts, and were [...]Read More
River Description
This section of the river begins just below the site of the Iron Gate Dam, which was removed in 2024, and contines through rural residential areas and ranch land before crossing under Interstate 5 and entering the Klamath National Forest at Ash Creek. It is along this reach that the river exits the Cascade Range and begins its long journey through the Klamath Mountains. Upon entering the Klamath Mountains, the river canyon becomes more forested and there are only a few homes and settlements along its course. A number of access points allow for day trips or a longer multi-day adventure. The run is roadside but traffic tends to be light along the roads that parallel this stretch.
Before the four hydroelectric dams upstream were removed in 2024, this section of the Klamath was plagued with blue-green algae originating in the reservoirs behind the dams. The algae released a toxic substance, microcyctin, after it died and began to decay. It was a serious public health issue most summers, and sometimes the river was posted with health advisories all the way to the ocean. Dam removal will considerably improve the water quality on this section and likely eliminate the algal toxins entirely (check current conditions and alerts).
Iron Gate to Tree of Heaven (18 miles with intermediate access points, Class I/II)
From Iron Gate down to Ager Road the river passes through rural residential areas and ranch land on a stretch that is utilized by fishermen. Over the next few miles the river winds through Hornbrook and under Interstate 5 and then parallels Highway 96 that continues down the Klamath River.
Tree of Heaven to Gottville (6 miles, Class II-III)
The Klamath River enters the Klamath National Forest a few miles upstream of Tree of Heaven Campground. The run from Tree of Heaven to Gottville is a very good beginner run with many Class II rapids, three Class II+ r
...River Features
Iron Gate River Access
Iron Gate Dam was located immediately upstream of this access point that is on the downstream river right side of the Lakeview Road Bridge. American Whitewater worked to formalize this site as an access point for recreational river runners and fishermen as a condition of the surrender order for the hydrolectric site. The access point that serves river runners also serves as an access point for water trucks engaged in firefighting.
Ager Road Bridge Access
Access is available under the bridge on river right. Also known as Klamathon bridge.
Rapid
Rapid below Cottonwood Creek confluence.
Collier River Access at I-5 Bridge
River access on river left under at the I-5 Bridge accessible off Klamathon Road within the interstate right-of-way. The river is also accessible at the riverside Collier Rest Area, one of the best riverside rest areas along the US interstate system (and a great place to charge your electric vehicle too).
Snag Hole River Access
Informal Bureau of Land Management river access on river right used by boaters and anglers.
Ash Creek Rapid
Rapid just upstream of the Klamath River Road Bridge.
Ash Creek River Access
Recognized as a Forest Service recreation site. It has a sand ramp with limited parking and no facilities on river left just downstream of the Ash Creek Bridge.
Badger Creek Rapid
A Frame Rapid
Tree of Heaven Campground & River Access
This is a nice, riverside Forest Service campground and river access that is convenient to the I-5. The campground is open seasonally and can fill up when the weather is nice. It has a good boat launch suitable for rafts and a dedicated parking and day-use area that is separate from the campground.
Humbug Rapid
Humbug Creek comes in from river left and the outwash forms Humbug Rapid below the confluence. The bench on river left shows evidence of past mining activity.
Cayuse River Access
A Forest Service recreation site, Cayuse River Access consists of a large sand and gravel river bar and a gravel walking trail to the river. There is one picnic table and a public telephone in the parking area. This area is for day use only, no overnight parking or camping.
Skeahan Bar River Access
A Forest Service recreation site, this popular river access features a large wooded area with picnic tables and dispersed campsites. There is a gravel road to the water's edge. Use of rock fire rings, a barbecue or camp stove requires a current California Campfire Permit.
Dutch Creek (aka Kanaka Bar or Zig Zag) Rapid
Exposed rocks at lower flows.
Schoolhouse Rapid
Where the river bends to the right. At midsummer flows (900-1150 cfs) you can enjoy a good play wave here. Some come here for park and play. Park at mile 93.5 on the highway where you will find space for a couple cars. A short trail leads down to the river.
Lumgrey Creek (aka Honolulu) Rapid
These rapids may be the most difficult on this section. A midstream island gives you a river left or river right option. You can check it out from the highway on the shuttle or scout at river level.
Gottville River Access
A Forest Service Recreation site, the Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge. There is a ADA accessible restroom, parking area and dispersed camping area.
Rapids
Some class II whitewater past the confluence with Beaver Creek.
Funny Girl River Access
This access is on a small parcel of Forest Service land just upstream of Quigley's Campground. From this access point you can easily walk over to Quigley's General Store and Deli for basic supplies.
Brown Bear River Access
A formal Forest Service recreation site, this popular fishing access has a gravel road to the water's edge. Dispersed camping is allowed and there is some shade. There is an information bulletin board but no facilities. This nice river access was built with slide materials in cooperation with CalTrans and is a launching spot for kayaks and rafts.
Cabin Rapid
This rapid comes into view as you come around a bend to the right.
Blue Heron River Access
A Forest Service recreation site with a graded gravel ramp to the water's edge provides access at this popular fishing spot. Limited shade is available for a few dispersed campers. RV's and trailers are an easy fit. There are no facilities but an information board has current info on campfire permits and fire restrictions for the area.
Rapid
Lens Crafters Rapid
Rapid at the mouth of Tom Martin Creek. The line is down the right.
Sarah Totten Campground Take-Out
An access ramp is available in the campground.
Vesa Creek Rapid
This new rapid was formed by debris flow deposits coming out of the McKinney Fire footprint in late 2022. The rapid changes frequently and has, at times, included metal debris.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPhotos of a few of the access points on a drive up Highway 96.
Evening park and play session at Schoolhouse Wave. Flows were good but a short boat would have been better than the long boats we had.
Spring evening at Iron Gate Dam, scheduled for removal in 2024.
I wanted to see this section on my way outta CA before the dam comes down. Not much for whitewater as expected, but saw a Lewis' woodpecker, western tanagers, bald eagles, the usual lot of turkey vultures, mergansers, dippers, and perhaps more osreys than I've ever seen in one place near the dam. They know the salmon are coming back!
The Pacific Chapter of the River Management Society hosted a trip from Tree of Heaven to Gottville following a day of presentations on Klamath Dam removal and restoration of the Klamath River. The trip included river managers from several of the major river systems on the West Coast and partners who have been involved in dam removal. The run was about two hours which included a quick stop to get in a couple surfs at the Schoolhouse Wave. A shorter playboat would have been ideal.
Drive up the Klamath River on Highway 96, under I-5, and on up to Iron Gate via Klamathon Road. The site visit at Iron Gate included representatives of Klamath River Renewal Corporation and their contractors, Tribes, resource agencies, whitewater boaters, and whitewater outfitters.
I was at the Klamath for a day of meetings and site visit with resource agencies to discuss recreational mitigation following dam removal. I spent the evening at Tree of Heaven Campground.
We were headed downstream but stopped at Sarah Totten Campground to check out the boat ramp.
Spending the night at Tree of Heaven Campground during the week of the Keno and Ward's Canyon flow studies.
Site visit to Iron Gate to check out the access during the week of the Keno and Ward's Canyon flow studies.