Klamath

Nicole's video

General Description For small rafts at medium flows:

This run is generally more technical and up to half a class more difficult than the Hell’s Corner Run downstream at the same flow, we did them both at 1600 cfs in one day in February 2025. There are about 10 major rapids and a bunch of fun boogie water. The feel is continuous but there are eddies and short breaks between most rapids. There are many hidden shallow sharp rocks to dodge even in the main current so pay attention. Lightweight rafts will have more success at rock dodging than heavy or large ones. I would imagine it cleans up a bit with more water. I had also seen this run before the dam removal at 900 cfs and consider it to be more difficult for a raft at that lower flow. We scouted #3 which used to be called “sidecast” by mountaineering up to the old road since we had not seen it post dam renewal. This was one of the two most difficult and longest rapids. For people with a class V skillset, this run could be navigated by boat scouting. However, as of the snow storm Feb 2025 there are several new trees that have come down along the banks throughout this run as well as the Hell's Corner run; it is a good idea to check for wood in key places and plan your exit from the crux by shore scouting at #3. Rapid # 5 is equally as challenging and almost as long and may deserve a scout as well.

#1 Cofferdam site c lass III

An S turn with a shallow exit & erosional banks, this rapid may change significantly in the near future.

#2 Moonshine Falls class III

Both the right and left sides 'go' at 1600, current pushes into the right bank below the channels’ confluence. Generally tight, shallow and brushy.

Bridge and class III boogie water until...

#3 class IV+

Previously called Side Cast or Hog, new name pending....

Entrance: green tongue, wave train, hole.

Upper mid: pillow rock center left, two pour overs left and center.

Mid: pinch point. Dry boulders right bank, large fan off pillow rock left. Decide …head right or left after the pinch to avoid mid stream mank below.

Crux: willow tree protrudes on left bank / manky double hole junk show in the middle / boils, slackwater and shallow rock dodging on the right.

Bottom: final move through the horns on the right or kayakers can cheat all the way left.

#4 class IV-

Slalom between pour overs center right with a rocky exit or hug the right side of the dry boulder that blocks the left side of the river for a ceaner exit.

#5 class IV+

Previously also called Boss Hog, new name pending....

One of the two most difficult and long rapids for a raft at medium flow. Generally enter left and work center right. A long complex rapid with large hydraulics and current pushing into hazardous large angular boulders on the left bank. Pour overs midstream and on the right bank. Lower flows are more difficult for a raft here.

Entrance: In- water downed wood hazard right bank as of Feb 2025...so enter left.

Mid: Double stacked slightly offset holes with exposed rock center right, cut right after.

Bottom: Picket fence extending from right bank, use the slackwater behind it to move center or further right. Stay off the left bank with the big sharp boulders.

Runnout: Midstream crashing fun hole.

#6 class III

Stay center, steep horizon line identified by a rooster tail on the right.

#7 class IV

Big righthand bend, wave train with midstream pour overs to avoid, big hits down the center or technical line down the right. The right side will close off with less water. This is the ore difficult of the two big bends.

#8 class III+

Secret hole fun times boogie. Look out for small chunky holes.

#9 class III+

Another Big Bend Identified by a two midstream horns, start moving right to hug the inside of the bend.

#10 class IV

Best. Rapid. Ever:Enter left, stay center and enjoy large fluffy waves while dodging pour overs.

Guage: Klamath River Below JC Boyle Power Plant BOY03

Flow: 1600cfs on Feb 22, 2025

Put in Hwy 66 Bridge (in the snow).

Take out Access 6 (Spring Island was still closed…not to mention too much snow on the ground for the van) So we ran all the way through the Hells Corner Run as well.