Paddling the Klamath: What Happens to a River when the Dams Are Gone?
- Yurok Country
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
We’d like to share a story that’s inspiring us here in Yurok Country. This summer, dozens of Indigenous teenagers and young adults completed the first source‑to‑sea descent of the Klamath River since the largest dam removal in U.S. history.
On June 12, 2025, a group of young kayakers representing Yurok, Karuk, and other Indigenous tribes launched into the headwaters of the Klamath River in southern Oregon. Guided by Paddle Tribal Waters, the expedition trained 43 Native youth for years to prepare for the journey. Their goal was to be the first people to paddle the restored river from source to sea, from the headwaters to the estuary near Requa, California.
The descent was made possible by the removal of four hydroelectric dams that had blocked salmon and tribal access for nearly a century. Last fall’s demolition of Copco 1 and 2, Iron Gate and J.C. Boyle – the largest dam removal project in the country – restored natural flow to more than 400 miles of habitat and was a monumental win for Native communities.
We invite you to plan your own journey to Yurok Country and see the restoration firsthand. Here are some of our ideas for eco‑tourists:
Take a drive up to the Requa overlook to see the Klamath River spit, where the paddlers’ journey finished.
Hike among ancient redwoods that soar over 350 feet and walk over 200 miles of trails.
Take a traditional dugout redwood canoe tour along quiet stretches of the Klamath or take a jet‑boat tour for wildlife viewing and cultural storytelling.
Visit the Yurok Country Visitor Center to learn about basket weaving, canoe building and our ongoing restoration work. When you support local tribal businesses and attend community events, you help sustain the cultural revival the paddle symbolises!
Plan your trip now
The youth who paddled 300 miles down the Klamath are a testament to what’s possible when a river is healed and a people remain connected to it. Eco‑tourists can honor their journey by experiencing this place respectfully. Check trail conditions, tour schedules and lodging options at VisitYurokCountry.com, and come see the rewilding of the Klamath River.
Traveling through historic locations brings cultural depth, but planning is often the hardest part. I’ve booked through several services, and cheapoair often came up in conversations. Some travelers praised low fares, while others warned of sudden changes or hidden fees. It reminded me of when I missed a connection once, and how crucial reliable booking platforms are. Like visiting ruins, preparation is key to making the journey enjoyable rather than stressful.