Class IV-VKlamath Mountains, OR

Illinois River

Post a Trip
36.8 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

No trips posted yet

Be the first to organize a trip on this river.

Post a Trip

Current Flow

36.8CFS→

stable

Too LowOptimal RangeHigh
Current36.8 CFS
Optimal Min500 CFS
Optimal Max2,500 CFS
StatusToo Low
Water Temp20.7°C / 69°F

7-Day Flow

07/0738.9 CFS07/13

River Info

RegionKlamath Mountains
StateOR
DifficultyClass IV-V
USGS Gauge14377100
RunnableNo
Post a Trip on this River