Monday November 24, 2025
Herald and News —
Some recreation access sites along the restored Klamath River between Keno and Hornbrook, Calif. will remain open as winter conditions allow.
According to a news release from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildllife, the five recreation day-use access sites now open until further notice include two in Oregon — Pioneer Park West near Keno, and Moonshine Falls further downstream. The recreation sites in California include K’utárawáx·u (pronounced ku-ta-ra-wa-hu) that is also known as Grizzly Hill; K’účasčas (pronounced ku-chas-chas) and also known as Fall Creek; and Iron Gate.
It was previously announced that closures were in place but those closures have been lifted after managers reassessed opportunities for river access in areas of the Klamath River that were not accessible before dam removal.
However, users should be aware the sites are not maintained for winter use. According to ODFW, changing conditions could limit access and new closures may be announced. The agency recommends that people planning to use the access points check the following sources for updates:
• www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1522/main
• www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/3858/main; and
• www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/opportunities-and-access.aspx
The announcement is part of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) Recreation Management Plan. ODFW manages the two sites in Oregon and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages the three sites in California.
Descriptions of the Klamath River access sites in Oregon include:
Keno Canyon Section: Keno Dam to Former Reservoir Footprint
The run begins at the base of the Keno Dam, which is accessible year-round on river right via Old Wagon Road. The road is heavily rutted and requires a high-clearance vehicle. The Keno Dam, which was not removed, remains and is now under the management of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
For about five miles, the river features continuous whitewater with notable rapids in a distinct but shallow canyon. Rapids include the Keno Wave and Meatball, a more challenging rapid near the end of this section.
Former J.C. Boyle Reservoir Section: Upstream of Pioneer Park West
The breach of J.C. Boyle Dam in January 2024 quickly drained the reservoir and extended the free-flowing reach of the Keno Run. After Meatball, the river flows through the former reservoir footprint, becoming low-gradient for two miles before reaching Pioneer Park West. This access point is located just downstream of Highway 66 on river right. Continuing past Pioneer Park West to the Moonshine Falls River Access, which is 1.5 miles downstream, increases the challenge of the run by adding one Class III and one Class IV rapid.