The Salmon River (Karuk: Masúhsav) is famed for spectacular scenery, water quality, and difficult whitewater runs. But the 19-mile-long mainstem of the Salmon River also has exceptional runs of intermediate difficulty, and the Lower Salmon Run from Brannons Bar to the Klamath River confluence is a wonderful way to experience the river without having to paddle difficult rapids.
Because it is the lowermost run in the watershed, the Lower Salmon Run flows with more water than other sections. This means is has a longer season that extends into June or July most years but that during periods of high flows it can also be somewhat washed out. It can be paddled at a wide range of flows. The confluence of the Salmon and the Klamath is a very special place and the swirling currents wehre the rivers merge is part of this. Known in the Karuk language as *apsun'íshvit*, the swirling whirlpool-like current at the confluence can pose a choatic challenge to those who attempt to paddle across it. Translted literally, apsun'íshvit means 'snake cut in half' and is an apt description of this writhing current that, no doubt, has challenged Karuk paddlers in dugout canoes since time immemorial.
The Lower Salmon is a good run in its own right, but it also provides an upstream add-on the
Ikes Run on the Klamath River (Karuk: Ishkêesh). This makes for an exceptional and diverse day on the river as boaters will experience two different rivers with contrast in rapid style, flow, water quality, and scenery.
Ceremonial Use of the Lower Salmon River & River Closures
River users should know that this section of river and the adjoining section on the Klamath River hold deep spiritual significance for members of the Karuk Tribe. This area and the river is sometimes closed to provide the sanctity and privacy needed for tribal ceremonies. Even when not closed, river users should act with respect and reverence for this special place and the meaning it holds for Indigenous people.
Each summer, the Forest Supervisors of the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests issue temporary river access and area closures to support Karuk Tribe ceremonial activities. These closures designate specific dates and locations along the Klamath and Salmon rivers within the Happy Camp and Ukonom Ranger Districts of the Klamath and Six Rivers national foress where public access is temporarily restricted to ensure privacy and safety for Karuk Tribal members engaged in traditional cultural practices.
The closures are authorized under 36 CFR 261.53(g), which allows for the temporary closure of National Forest System lands to protect the privacy of tribal religious and cultural activities. Closure notices and maps are posted on Forest Service websites each summer to help river users plan their trips accordingly.
If you are planning a float trip on the Salmon or Klamath between July and early September, please consult the current Forest Orders to identify the specific dates and locations of closures, and respect all posted restrictions.
Closure information for 2025 is posted on the
Klamath National Forest website alert page in three separate forest orders:
\#25-05-01,
\#25-05-02, and
\#25-05-03 and 10-25-04.
Upon the passage and signing of the Katimiîn and Ameekyáaraam Sacred Lands Act on January 5, 2023, the land surrounding the confluence of the Salmon and Klamath rivers was officially returned to the Karuk Tribe and it is no longer public national forest land. The Tribe is now able to use this sacred land according to their customary uses and will enact closures during ceremonies. Please be extra respectful when floating through these lands or when accessing the river at the Ishi Pishi bridge take-out for this run: you are on Native land.
Logistics
*Put-in*
The put-in at Brannons Bar River Access is along the Salmon River Road about 3.6 miles upriver from Somes Bar and Highway 96. There is a brown river access sign marking the dirt road that goes down to the put-in loading/unloading area. Unload your gear here and move your vehicle back up the dirt road to park it in the parking area by the restroom that is just across Salmon River Road. Back down at the put-in area, there are two short trails that go from the unloading zone to the river. If you take the trail that heads in the upstream direction, you'll get one more rapid on the run. It's not possible to back a trailer to the river for raft unloading here, so many rafters carry gear to the river or use the drive-up access two miles downriver at the Oak Bottom River Access.
*Take-out*
The take-out is located on the far side (river right) of the Klamath River directly opposite the confluence with the Salmon River on Karuk Tribe land. To access the take-out, take Ishi Pishi Road off Highway 96 next to the Salmon River Outpost. From the Outpost, continue downhill on Ishi Pishi Road, cross the Klamath River on Ishi Pishi Bridge. The dirt road on the right at the end of the bridge descends to the river. There is very limited parking by the river and it is a sensitive area that is spiritually significant to the native Karuk people, so please drive down to the river only to load your gear and then depart promptly. You can park your vehicles at the small parking area along Ishi Pishi Road that is on the left about 250 feet past the turn for the dirt road that goes to the river.
Additional Info
Salmon River Restoration Council's Whitewater Recreation Page - great overview and detail on the whitewater of the Salmon River drainage
Salmon River Hazard Map - map of known hazards in the river and tributaries