What it’s like to raft a reawakened river in southern Oregon

What it’s like to raft a reawakened river in southern Oregon

From Peak Northwest by The Oregonian/OregonLive

April 23, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

Mandy Yeahpau shares her experience rafting the Klamath River after the removal of its dams, highlighting the adventure and emotional significance of the journey.

Mandy Yeahpau has done a lot of whitewater rafting in Oregon, but she never thought she’d get the chance to run the Klamath River. That changed in 2024, when the river’s dams were removed and the waterway ran free for the first time in generations, allowing not only the salmon to return but also boaters, many of whom jumped at the opportunity to explore the reawakened river. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Yeahpau recounts her rafting trip on the Klamath River, which she said was both a great adventure and a deeply moving experience. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A brief explainer on the 2024 dam removals. Why it’s important to take this trip with an outfitter. What Yeahpau saw on the river that stirred her spirit. How to plan your own rafting trip on the Klamath River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Mandy Yeahpau

Topics covered

  • whitewater rafting
  • Klamath River
  • dam removal
  • outdoor adventure
  • environmental impact

Keywords

  • rafting
  • Klamath River
  • dam removal
  • Oregon
  • outfitter
  • salmon
  • adventure

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Oregon, Klamath River

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