With four dams removed and previously inaccessible stretches of river renewed, the Klamath River has been a hot topic in the rafting and kayaking world. And rightfully so, as it’s not every day a “new” river emerges, and even more rare – some of the unearthed sections are stunningly beautiful and offer world class whitewater.
While the excitement is legitimate and interest in visiting the “New Klamath” is building, it’s important to remember that this is a river that has gone through a tremendous transformation in the past 12 months. There are some access point developments in the works (but not yet open) and safety considerations you should be aware of before embarking on your adventure.

In the former reservoir footprints of Copco and Iron Gate; and in Kikacéki Reach (Ward’s Canyon), there are areas of cultural significance that must not be disturbed. As a general rule of thumb, do not explore on foot within the reservoir footprints or in Kikacéki Reach (Ward’s Canyon). Shasta Indian Nation has provided this guidance: Trails are being developed that will be available for public use. We ask all parties to use sites and facilities when they’re ready and not before. There will be opportunities for hikers but they will be on trails that are designed to protect historic and cultural sites. For additional information, please contact culture@shastaindiannation.org.
Below you’ll find a list of temporary closures and safety considerations listed in order of upstream to downstream, by section. Refer to Indigo Creek Outfitters’ New Klamath map for geographical reference.
Closure summary
Temporary closures exist at Pioneer Park West, Moonshine Falls, J.C. Boyle Powerhouse Access Road, Spring Island, Copco Road, Grizzly Hill, and Fall Creek.
Keno
The new “take-out” is Pioneer Park West, which is temporarily closed.
Big Bend
Previously referred to as the “by pass” section, this stretch now has water year-round. Two new access points that will be used as “put-ins” are still in development and temporarily closed: Pioneer Park West and Moonshine Falls. The “take-out” for this stretch is Spring Island, which is temporarily closed. The access road to Spring Island is also temporarily closed.
Hell’s Corner
Spring Island is temporarily closed, as well as the access road. Frain Ranch is open, as well as Stateline, Access 6, and Access 1.
Beswick
Fully open. Use Stateline or Access 6 at put-ins and Access 1 as the take-out.
Kikacéki Valley (Copco Valley)
Previously Copco Reservoir, this is now a Class I and II section of river. However, the new access point called K’utárawáx·u (Grizzly Hill aka Copco Cove) is yet to be developed and the surrounding area is closed for access. You cannot run this stretch without running the much more challenging Kikacéki Reach (Ward’s Canyon). If you are not comfortable with Class IV+ whitewater, do not run this section until the take-out access point is developed.
Kikacéki Reach (Ward’s Canyon)
Previously completely dewatered and inaccessible, this stretch offers stunning scenery and world-class whitewater. K’utárawáx·u (Grizzly Hill aka Copco Cove) is temporarily closed, so the best put-in is Access 1. K’účasčas (Fall Creek) is also temporarily closed and the surrounding area is closed for access. Until K’účasčas (Fall Creek) is open, the best take-out is Iron Gate. Please note that Access 1 to Iron Gate is roughly 15 miles in length and contains significantly challenging whitewater with limited off-river access.
Iron Gate
This is a Class I and II section of river, however the put-in at K’účasčas (Fall Creek) is temporarily closed. This stretch is not open as a stand-alone section until K’účasčas (Fall Creek) is opened.