Salmon Are Returning to the Klamath River

Stretching across Oregon and California, the Klamath River once supported one of the largest salmon migrations in the United States.

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Must Know:

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For generations, salmon could not reach their spawning grounds because the Klamath River’s dams cut off their ancient migration paths.

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02. Historic Dam Removal

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03. Salmon Returning Home

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Must See: 330 Miles of Free-Flowing River

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The Tribes Who Led the Fight For the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, salmon are not just fish—they are identity, tradition, and survival. Their decades-long efforts finally opened the river again.

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The River Is Healing Already Water clarity is improving, native plants are returning, and wildlife is slowly reclaiming the restored habitat—all signs of a recovering ecosystem.

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A Historic Migration Returns With the dams gone, salmon are once again reaching their natural spawning grounds, restarting cycles that were blocked for over a century.

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Curious about the full story? Explore how the Klamath River came back to life.

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Salmon Are Returning to the Klamath River

By Zoey Finch • 2025

Stretching across Oregon and California, the Klamath River once supported one of the largest salmon migrations in the United States.

The Klamath River Basin

Must Know:

Why Salmon Disappeared??

Why Salmon Disappeared??

For generations, salmon could not reach their spawning grounds because the Klamath River’s dams cut off their ancient migration paths.

01. Blocked Migration Routes

02. Historic Dam Removal

You’re seeing the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. Four dams are being dismantled to reopen 330 miles of salmon habitat.

03. Salmon Returning Home

For the first time in more than 100 years, salmon are swimming back into the Klamath River—reaching historic spawning grounds once blocked by dams.

Must See: 330 Miles of Free-Flowing River

The Tribes Who Led the Fight For the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, salmon are not just fish—they are identity, tradition, and survival. Their decades-long efforts finally opened the river again.

The River Is Healing Already Water clarity is improving, native plants are returning, and wildlife is slowly reclaiming the restored habitat—all signs of a recovering ecosystem.

A Historic Migration Returns With the dams gone, salmon are once again reaching their natural spawning grounds, restarting cycles that were blocked for over a century.

Curious about the full story? Explore how the Klamath River came back to life.

Salmon

Klamath