D. Gottville River Access

Area Status: Open

In 1857, William Gott built a home and post office at the mouth of Lumgrey and Empire Creeks, establishing the town of Gottville to serve the growing population of miners in the area. At one time, some 3,000 people lived in this narrow canyon. President Herbert Hoover came here to fish for steelhead in 1933. In the 1940's the town name was changed to Klamath River. The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge. There is a ADA accessible restroom, parking area and dispersed camping area.

At a Glance

Fees:	No fee. Restroom is temporarily closed.
Permit Info:	A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	For all boating on the Klamath, please read the restrictions on the Karuk Ceremonial dates. Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown campfires each day. Please take all trash, garbage, fish guts and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only. Camping limit 14 days.
Closest Towns:	Yreka 21 miles, Klamath River (limited services) 5 miles
Water:	None
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	US Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From I-5 west on Hwy 96 approx 13.5 miles to the river access on the left.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Dispersed Camping

The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge. There is a ADA accessible restroom, parking area and dispersed camping area. There is a 14 day limit here for dispersed camping.

Fees:	No fee
Permit:	A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Usage:	Please choose a camping spot where you will leave a minimal impact. Always plan ahead for accumulation and storage of your garbage and take it with you when you leave. Never burn or bury garbage in the forest. Likewise, it is your responsibility to manage human waste. There are many commercial products on the market to deal with human waste. If you must bury it, be sure to dig a hole at least 6 inches or more down into soil and stay at least 100 feet away from any river, lake, stream, spring or trail. Never bury toilet paper or sanitary products. Animals will dig it up and scatter it around the area.

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing on the Klamath River is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish & Game. The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge making the river accessible to fishermen in wheelchairs.

Special Designations	Regulations for the Salmon, Scott and Klamath Rivers are published by the CA Dept of Fish & Game in May each year in "Freshwater & Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement".
Fish Species	Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead and Trout
Water Temperature	Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth.
Water/Flow Level	For realtime flow data please click on the following link: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv
Permit:	All anglers over the age of 16 must have a current CA Fishing License in possession.

Viewing Wildlife

A good area for riparian wildlife.

Gold Panning

Gold Panning on the Klamath River is regulated by CA Dept of Fish & Game. The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge enabling persons in a wheelchair access to the water to pan for gold.

Rockhounding

Small quantities of rocks may be taken for personal use only. Rocks may not be taken on posted mining claims. You must fill in all holes made in the river or on shore.

Scenic Driving

Klamath River access off the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway. The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge. There is a ADA accessible restroom, parking area and dispersed camping area.

Pavement Type for Parking

Sand & gravel parking.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The Gottville River Access has a sandy road and a concrete ADA accessible side walk to the water's edge. There is a ADA accessible restroom, a parking area and dispersed camping area.

Launch Ramps	None
Trailer Parking	Parking available.
Class of rapids	Water level, flow and class of rapids can change seasonally. Contact the District Office in advance for information on rapids.
Type of Craft	All portable boats capable of being carried.
Water/Flow Level	For realtime flow data please click on the following link: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv
Open Season:	January-December
Rental info:	The Klamath River is a designated Wild and Scenic River. There are numerous rapids, cascades and waterfalls along the river. The difficulty of the rapids changes with the seasons, the water levels and flow rates. Boaters and rafters should research the river thoroughly before attempting to navigate on their own. For a list of outfitters and guides permitted by the US Forest Service to operate on the Klamath National Forest click here.

Swimming

Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar in the Klamath River.

Clothing Requirements	Swimming attire required.
Water Temperature	Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth.
Water/Flow Level	Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuates with seasons, rainfall and snow pack.