The Klamath River winds its way from southern Oregon to the northern California coast. It cuts through forested canyons and volcanic highlands. The river also traverses some of the most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes in the West. At just over 250 miles long, it is one of the largest rivers in California. It is also one of the most storied waterways in the country.
For thousands of years, the Klamath has supported life in all its forms. It’s home to rich riparian habitats, old-growth forests, and critically important salmon runs. It’s also the ancestral and contemporary homeland of several Indigenous Tribes. These include the Yurok, Karuk, Hoopa, and Klamath peoples. Their lives, cultures, and economies stay deeply connected to the river.
A Salmon Stronghold
The Klamath once supported some of the most prolific salmon runs on the Pacific coast. Every year, Chinook and Coho salmon migrate upstream to spawn. They feed wildlife and enrich forests. These migrations anchor the health of the watershed. For communities along the river, these fish are central to ecological balance. They are also tied to food sovereignty. They connect to cultural identity and spiritual practice.
Over the last century, however, the river has faced a cascade of challenges. Dams, agricultural water diversion, degraded water quality, and warming temperatures have pushed salmon populations to the brink. Yet despite all this, the river still pulses with life, and change is finally underway.
The Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History
In a landmark effort, four major dams on the Klamath River are currently being removed. This is the largest dam removal and river restoration project in American history. Once complete, more than 400 miles of historic salmon habitat will be reopened. Natural sediment flows, water temperatures, and river dynamics will begin to heal.
This is more than an infrastructure project—it’s a turning point. Years of Tribal leadership, grassroots organizing, and collaborative science brought this moment into being. It’s a rare example of large-scale restoration actually moving forward. It is a powerful case study in what’s possible when communities put ecosystems first.
Why It Matters to Us
At WildKind Collective, we believe that conservation is rooted in connection. The more we know a place—its seasons, its stories, its struggles—the more we’re willing to stand up for it. The Klamath River symbolizes our values. It embodies wild water, strong salmon, and the deep relationship between people and place.
We’re committed to telling the story of this river with care and accuracy. We support the long-term health of the watershed in any way we can. This includes educational content, field-based storytelling, and partnerships with those doing the hard work on the ground.
The Klamath is a river in recovery. And we believe its story is just getting started.
WildKind Collective 