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Klamath River Closures for Karuk Tribal Ceremonies
Each summer, river access and area closures are instituted by the Forest Supervisors of the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests, providing specific dates and locations along the Klamath River within the Happy Camp District of the Klamath National Forest and the Ukonom District of the Six Rivers National Forest for Karuk ceremonial activity. These closures ensure the safety and privacy of Karuk Tribal members conducting traditional and cultural practices pursuant to 36 CFR 26 l .53(g) while assuring the safety of recreationists and other Forest users.
If planning a float trip on the Klamath River during July, August, and September, please read and understand which areas will be close on the specific dates in the Forest Orders.
The following Forest Orders detail which areas will be closed to the public on the dates indicated.
July 31st-August 9th, 2024
- Forest Order 24-05-03
- Map
- Affected Locations: Independence River Access Area, Picnic Shelter, and Creek Area
- Prohibitions: Being in indicated locations
July 31st-August 9th, 2024
- Forest Order 24-05-02
- Map
- Affected Locations: Ferry Point and Wingate Bar River Access Areas
- Prohibitions: Launching of watercraft, being in indicated locations
July 5-14, 2024
- Forest Order 24-05-01
- Map
- Affected Locations: Wingate Bar River Access
- Prohibitions: Launching of watercraft
Alternative Float Trips
Alternatives for float trips unaffected by the Karuk Ceremonies are available. Please consider the following river stretches.
From Sarah Totten Campground access:
- to Rocky Point Access-- 8 miles
- to Sluice Box Access-- 14 miles
- to Portuguese Creek Access-- 16 miles
- to Seattle Creek Access-- 21 miles
- to China Point Access-- 24 miles (No vehicular access.)
- to Gordons Ferry Access-- 28 miles
- to Indian Creek Access at Happy Camp-- 31 miles
- to Wingate Bar Access-- 39 miles
During the summer, float trips from Sarah Totten to Happy Camp may take as many as four days or more to complete. River segments east of town are known for their beauty and abundance of wildlife.