Class IV-VKlamath Mountains, OR

Illinois River

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178 CFS→
Too Low

About this run

The Illinois is Oregon's wildest whitewater river — a 3-day, permit-required descent through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness into the Klamath Mountains. This is technical, remote, and serious: the Illinois demands expert paddle craft in a setting where there is no road access for the entire middle section of the run. The water is an otherworldly jade green, the geology is stunning (peridotite and serpentinite outcroppings), and the rapids are as challenging as anything in Oregon. Green Wall Rapid alone justifies the permit application.

Known Hazards

  • Green Wall Rapid — Class V, powerful drop with undercut wall on right, portage available on left
  • 3-day commitment — no egress in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness middle section
  • Spring flooding can make the Illinois extremely dangerous above 2,500 CFS
  • Permit required — apply through the Siskiyou National Forest permit system

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Current Flow

178CFS→

stable

Too LowOptimal RangeHigh
Current178 CFS
Optimal Min500 CFS
Optimal Max2,500 CFS
StatusToo Low
Water Temp18.5°C / 65°F

7-Day Flow

05/23198 CFS05/28

River Info

RegionKlamath Mountains
StateOR
DifficultyClass IV-V
USGS Gauge14377100
RunnableNo
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