For those interested in running the Big Bend section of the New Klamath on their own, please be aware of local road and access closures that are currently creating challenging shuttle logistics. A typical run on Big Bend will conclude at Spring Island. However, due to the closure of the John C. Boyle Powerhouse Access Road, participants must now continue downstream. On the trip documented below, the group utilized Access 6 as a take-out, adding an additional 12.5 miles to the river run, but adding substantially (hours) to the shuttle. View the New Klamath River Map for up-to-date access information.
WHITEWATER, SNOW, AND A RENEWED RIVER
When John C. Boyle dam was removed, the Big Bend section of the Klamath began flowing consistently. Today, the controlled flow for the Klamath River is the release from Keno dam. Historically, the Big Bend section was “bypassed” and water was transported in a canal for miles, leaving the river with a small amount of water (inadequate for rafting or kayaking during the majority of the year).
Preceding dam removal, our guests would catch a glimpse of this stretch – and corresponding canal – as we drove the John C. Boyle Powerhouse Access Road from Highway 66 to Spring Island. The river flow here would always be noticeably and unnaturally low because of the diversion. Within a half mile of Spring Island, two large penstocks carried water to the powerhouse and, from passing vehicles, one could hear the whirring sounds of water running through the turbine(s). Most days, it was a “one gun” day, meaning one turbine. In years with excess water, a fortunate few would experience “two guns,” which meant it would be a high water day on the Upper Klamath. When the water was returned to the river from the powerhouse, the river would appear natural and full.
Our trips would launch from Spring Island on what was then the normal Upper Klamath trip. The Big Bend stretch was a frequent topic of conversation amongst guides and guests alike, carrying an air of mystique and intrigue, despite being inaccessible due to low flows. But that changed in 2024; and on February 22, 2025, a small group ran the Klamath River from Highway 66 to Access 6.
In 2025, access points are being improved at Pioneer Park West and developed at Moonshine Falls. In February, neither of these accesses were open. Additionally, a significant amount of snow kept us contained to Highway 66, so we parked on the road and began unloading our gear.
Launching from Highway 66
The former John C. Boyle reservoir footprint is uneventful. Reaching the dam site, the river makes a steep descent, turning first sharply to the right and then to the left. The next rapid is likely where Moonshine Falls had been located and the river splits into two channels, both technical and rocky.
We ran through some Class III rapids and stopped at a rapid known as Sidescast.
When the canal was built to carry water from John C. Boyle reservoir to the powerhouse, large rocks were pushed into river at this site, hence the “sidecast” name. When the rocks were pushed into the river, they created an unnatural sieve, which is a very dangerous feature for river runners. Upper Klamath outfitters, in coordination with American Whitewater, had successfully advocated for hazard mitigation during dam removal, which encompassed removal of unnatural hazards caused by dam construction. At Sidecast, holes were drilled into the larger rocks and filled with expanding grout. When the grout expanded, the rocks split into smaller pieces and the sieve was no longer.
Looking downstream of Sidecast
Hiking up the hill to get a view of the river
Sidecast marks the start of the Class IV and IV+ section. We hiked up the snowy hillside to scout the first set of rapids. The next three miles are filled with technical, steep, and challenging rapids. Arguably the best whitewater on the Klamath, the Big Bend stretch will offer some of the best summer whitewater in Oregon.
Lunch stop at Spring Island
Indigo Creek’s trips on Big Bend will lap this section twice for a full day of Class IV and IV+.
The Access Road to Spring Island was closed, so we had made plans to be picked up at Access 6. After another 12 miles, we pulled over at our familiar take out, which many of us had not visited since 2023, the year preceding dam removal.