Factual Friday: Did you know the Klamath River was added to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System in 1981?

In 1968, Congress created the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which protects more than 12,700 miles of rivers and streams in the U.S. Designation as a wild and scenic river is our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers and streams. They have remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic or other similar values that led Congress to add these waterways to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

In Oregon, 11 miles of the Klamath River are designated “scenic.” This beautiful section runs from the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to the California-Oregon border. J.C. Boyle Dam is the uppermost dam slated for removal under the terms of the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement.

In California, 23.5 miles of the Klamath River are listed as “scenic,” 11.7 miles are designated “wild,” and a whopping 250.8 are deemed “recreational.” That’s a lot of river to enjoy! The designation runs from the mouth of the river to the base of Iron Gate Dam – the lowest of the four dams KRRC has been tasked with removing.

We look forward to the sight of happy families and individuals rafting, fishing and recreating on the restored Klamath River! ... See more