Forks Of Salmon
Siskiyou county
CALIFORNIARivers
[ OVERVIEW ]Otter Bar Lodge is located on the Salmon River (a.k.a. Cal Salmon) about two miles downstream from the confluence of the river’s North and South Forks. Hence, the name of our nearest town, Forks of Salmon. The Salmon flows into the Klamath River about 16 miles downstream of the lodge at the tiny town of Somes Bar.
Our region is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, exceptional wild lands, and wild rivers. Both the Salmon and Klamath Rivers are designated National Wild & Scenic Rivers by the United States Congress, a status very few rivers receive.
[ Salmon River ]Salmon River
You will not see a clearer or cleaner river anywhere in California. As we say “It is gin clear”.
The river flows freely and un-dammed from source to sea. There are no cities, industry, or commercial agriculture in the watershed. There are three designated wilderness areas and a small population of self-reliant people.
We are surrounded by the Trinity Alps, Russian Mountains and the Marble Mountains. Otter Bar is nearly directly west of Mt.Shasta.
The Salmon River watershed is an oasis, a remnant of wild land from which flows one of the world’s most beautiful rivers. True to its name, the clear river hosts a run of salmon and steelhead, some of which you may see during your visit.
From a kayaking perspective, the river and its forks offer stretches suitable for beginner through expert skill levels and truly ranks among the most spectacular rivers anywhere.
If kayaking is not your thing, the area boasts incredible swimming, hiking and biking.
[ Klamath River ]Klamath River
The Klamath is an astounding river: its watershed spans from Oregon’s high desert to Redwood National Park on the Pacific Coast. It is the second largest river in the state, draining an area the size of New England.
After a decades long struggle, four main dams on the Klamath were decommissioned and removed in 2024. Led by the Karuk, Yurok, Hoopa, and Klamath tribes, our communities have long fought to free the Klamath. Now undammed, the river runs free again.
Along its way to the ocean, the Klamath picks up the Shasta, Scott, Salmon, and Trinity rivers and dozens of mountain streams. Within the watershed is Mount Shasta (14,162 ft.); Crater Lake; the Klamath Lakes; the Siskiyou, Marble Mountain, Russian, and Trinity Alps wilderness areas; Redwood National Park; two national monuments; and seven national forests.
Like the Salmon, the river’s canyon is rugged and heavily forested.
[ Conservation ]River Conservation in Our Area
At Otter Bar Lodge we’re proud to be part of a community dedicated to the protection, preservation, and health of our river ecosystems. We invite you to join us in this vital pursuit by checking out these important community organizations and initiatives:
a hard working local environmental group that focuses on watershed issues and sustainable living in our watershed. We encourage everyone who loves the Salmon River to support SRRC.
dedicated to watershed restoration along the sections of the Klamath River that we paddle every summer.
a regional environmental group with an excellent track record of protecting wildlands, wild rivers, old growth forests, and the rich biologic diversity of the Klamath and Salmon River watersheds and beyond.
organization working to protect and restore the forests and rivers of the Klamath Mountains.
inspiring the protection of rivers worldwide by investing in underserved and Indigenous youth who are intimately connected to their local waters and supporting them in their development as the next generation of environmental stewards.