I live in southern Oregon. A few miles south of me, the Klamath River flows across marshes, canyons, and through 6 dams used for hydroelectric power and irrigation before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Four of the dams are slated to be removed in 2023 and 2024 as the largest dam removal project ever in the United States. The Klamath River will once again flow mostly unhindered to the Pacific Ocean and open up more spawning grounds for salmon and anadromous steelhead trout.
I went on a day trip with friends, and friends-of-friends, to explore the dammed upper reaches of the Klamath River and to imagine what the area will look like after the dams are removed and the riverine riparian habitat is restored. Come join us on this little adventure.
