As of August 1, 2025, all five river access facilities that American Whitewater helped champion during the Klamath dam removal process are officially open!

With four dams removed, five new access sites completed, and all existing access points open, the 45 miles of newly restored river between Keno and the former Iron Gate Dam offer exciting new opportunities for boating—and are now more accessible than ever.

But before heading to the river, it’s important to know the specific use guidelines at each access site. Following these helps protect natural and cultural resources—and ensures continued access for all. The information below is provided to help the whitewater community learn about each access point and be respectful visitors to this remarkable, newly undammed stretch of the Klamath. Access sites are listed from upstream to downstream. Sites marked with an asterisk (*) are the five access points that American Whitewater successfully advocated for during the dam removal process.

See these access points plus rapids, camp sites, flow info, and more on our brand-new Upper Klamath River Whitewater Map. 

Keno Dam

Open to the public. This put-in is located on river right below Keno Dam and is accessed via Old Wagon Road on federal land. A high-clearance vehicle is required. An alternate option is to paddle across the reservoir and portage around the dam on river right. The former park on river left, managed by PacifiCorp, is currently closed. The land is expected to be transferred to the State of Oregon, and we are hopeful the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will reopen it as a day-use site later this year.

Pioneer Park West*

Open to the public as of August 1, 2025 for day use only: 7 am to 7 pm. Located on river right, just downstream of the Highway 66 bridge, this site the standard take-out for the Keno Run and can be used as a upper put-in for an extended Big Bend Run. The facility features a concrete boat ramp, turnaround loop, parking, restrooms, picnic tables, a bike rack, and other amenities. The park area will be open in warmer months only but the river access will be open year-round. The facility is currently owned by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation; it is expected to be transferred to the State of Oregon.

Moonshine Falls River Access*

Open to the public as of August 1, 2025 for day use only: 7 am to 7 pm. Located on river right just downstream of the former J.C. Boyle Dam site, this site is the standard put-in for the Class IV+ Big Bend Run and serves as an alternate take-out for the Keno Run. The facility includes stairs to the river, a raft slide, parking, turnarounds, restrooms, and other amenities. It is currently owned by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation; it is expected to be transferred to the State of Oregon.

Spring Island

Spring Island is open to the public. This is the standard put-in for the Hells Corner Run and take-out for the Big Bend Run. It is on federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Please note: nearby areas are undergoing active ecological restoration. If you observedamage or vandalism of restoration areas, report it to the BLM Klamath Falls Field Office at 541-883-6916.

Frain Ranch

Open to the public. This is an alternate put-in for the Hells Corner Run, located on river left, immediately upstream of Caldera Rapid. A high-clearance vehicle is required. The site will remain open to the public as long as PacifiCorp owns the property, though they are expected to sell it soon.

Stateline River Access

Open to the public. This is an alternate take-out for the Hells Corner Run, located on river left at Stateline Falls. A high-clearance vehicle is required. The site will remain open to the public as long as PacifiCorp owns the property, though they are expected to sell it soon. The adjacent campground is on BLM-managed public land.

Access 6

Open to the public. This is the standard take-out for the Hells Corner Run and put-in for the Beswick Run, and is accessible with standard-clearance vehicles. The gate may occasionally be closed for ranch operations, requiring a carry-in/out. The site will remain open to the public as long as PacifiCorp owns the property, though they are expected to sell it soon.

Access 1

Open to the public. This is the put-in for the K’íkac’éki Valley Run through the former Copco Reservoir footprint. It is accessible with standard-clearance vehicles. The site will remain open to the public as long as PacifiCorp owns the property, though they are expected to sell it soon.

While on the water downstream of Access 1, stay within the river corridor—no hiking, wandering, rock collecting, or going beyond the immediate banks. The entire river valley and take-out at K’utárawáx·u (Grizzly Hill) are on private lands being returned to the Shasta Indian Nation. Please help build a strong, respectful relationship with the Shasta Indian Nation by respecting all access and use limitations.

K’utárawáx·u Access (Grizzly Hill)*

Open to the public as of August 1, 2025 for day use only: sunrise to sunset. K’utárawáx·u (pronounced Koo-TAH-rah-Wah-hoo) is the primary put-in for the K’íka·c’é·ki Canyon Run and the take-out for the K’íka·c’é·ki Valley Run, located on river right (pronounced KEE-kah-TSEH-kee). The facility includes a paved access road, boat staging area, boat launch, vehicle turnaround, parking area, bike rack, accessible vault toilet, garbage facilities, picnic areas and river viewing area, and multilingual information kiosk/sign.

All river access activities must be conducted entirely within the designated area. Do not enter surrounding areas for any reason, as they contain sensitive cultural resources.

K’íkac’éki Canyon (formerly Wards Canyon) is a place of great interest to many boaters—but it is also one of cultural sensitivity. The canyon and both access points—K’utárawáx·u (Grizzly Hill) and K’účasčas (Fall Creek)—are on private lands being returned to the Shasta Indian Nation. Access is permitted only through these two designated points. Do not attempt to reach the river elsewhere, and while on the water, stay within the river corridor—no hiking, wandering, rock collecting, or going beyond the immediate banks. Please help build a strong, respectful relationship with the Shasta Indian Nation by visiting only during the open hours and respecting all access and use limitations.

K'účasčas Access (Fall Creek)*

Open to the public as of August 1, 2025 for day use only: sunrise to sunset. K’účasčas (pronounced Ku-chas-chas) is the primary take-out for the K’íka·c’é·ki Canyon Run and put-in for the Iron Gate Run, located on river right. The facility includes an access road, boat staging area, boat launch, vehicle turnaround, parking area, bike rack, accessible vault toilet, garbage facilities, picnic areas and river viewing area, and multilingual information kiosk/sign.

All river access activities must be conducted entirely within the designated area. Do not enter surrounding areas for any reason, as they contain sensitive cultural resources. This land is being returned to the Shasta Indian Nation. Please help build a strong, respectful relationship with the Shasta Indian Nation by visiting only during the open hours and respecting all access and use limitations.

Iron Gate Access*

Open to the public for day use only: sunrise to sunset. This is the fully refurbished take-out for the Iron Gate Run and is on the river right immediately downstream of the double bridges at the former Iron Gate Dam site. The facility features a parking area, access road, drive-up concrete boat ramp, accessible vault toilet, and other amenities. The site is currently owned by Klamath River Renewal Corporation but is expected to be transferred to the State of California.