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The Klamath river originates at Klamath Falls, Oregon. It runs just about 300 miles to the sea, and along the way it merges with the Trinity river system at Weitchpec. The Klamath river is one of the wests big rivers, and is the second largest river in California. It is over twice the size of the third largest river in California. To this day the river is as an anchor for the local Yurok, Karuk and Hoopa peoples. In the not so distant past it provided a sustained source of nourishment through fisheries, a means of transportation and fertile silt covered river bars for cultivation. When the white man came to the North Coast in search of gold, the river was the only reasonable way to move large parties of gold miners inland, this being accomplished at the time by steamboats. At one time, huge log rafts were brought down river to supply the many mills at the town of Klamath. In those days you would have seen small tugs steering log rafts and WWII landing craft hauling logging trucks and logging equipment up and down the river. Along with the redwoods and ocean beachs, the Klamath is the focal point of our area. Primarily a recreation river now, the Klamath has Salmon, Steelhead, Trout and Sturgeon all in their seasons. In theory the Klamath is runnable by jetboat from the ocean to as far as Ishi Pishi falls, although the farthest most operators go is Coon Creek falls. The Klamath river above Ishi Pishi is also runnable. Jet tour boat trips are offered on the Klamath as are floater trips. Salmon and steelhead fishing is great here! Several guide services provide fishing trips on the Klamath. |