Ríos to Rivers : A Historic First Descent of the Klamath

As Featured in the New York Times: A Historic First Descent of the Klamath River

The largest dam removal in history has just occurred on the Klamath River. Ríos to Rivers has been preparing a group of Indigenous youth from multiple tribes in the region to make the first full descent from source to sea this summer. As these young paddlers reconnect sections of the river that haven't flowed freely in over a century, they honor the elders who fought to restore the Klamath and its cultural lifeways, while stepping into their roles as the next generation of environmental leaders. Using kayaks, inspired by the historical use of canoes by their tribes, the Paddle Tribal Waters youth aim to ignite a global movement, reconcile a stolen history, and build a future of hope and healing.

In celebration of this moment, Indigenous youth from tribes along the Klamath joined Ríos to Rivers for the First Descent of the newly restored section. They are paddling ancestral waters long blocked by concrete, reclaiming a connection to land, tradition, and community, planning to conclude their journey mid-July.

This historic journey was recently featured in The New York Times as a symbol of resilience, restoration, and Indigenous-led conservation.

Watch this film by American Whitewater and Ríos to Rivers on the Klamath Dam Removal with Paddle Tribal Waters.

Supporting the Descent

At Werner Paddles, we are honored to support this First Descent.

• We provided river-ready paddles to help outfit the expedition team.
• We partnered with Ríos to Rivers to help document the journey and provide essential gear for safe, successful paddling.
• This collaboration is part of our commitment to Healthy Waters, supporting grassroots conservation and empowering the next generation of river stewards.
  

We believe the best paddling stories are the ones that bring people together - and that no story is more powerful than one of healing.

On The Water

“I was raised as a river kid, and I love where I come from. Since I was little, I drank ‘ambo’ from the spring where the Klamath River starts. And now I get to kayak from where I drink, following the water on the almost free Klamath River to the ocean, Coley Kakols Miller, 14, a Klamath tribal member.

Experience the Ríos to Rivers community through the lens of the paddlers. From whitewater rapids to riverside reflection, these images capture moments of joy, discovery, and deep connection to place.

Who Is Ríos to Rivers?

Ríos to Rivers is a nonprofit organization that connects youth through international paddling exchanges. Their mission focuses on environmental justice, river restoration, and cultural empowerment. By taking young people on transformative river journeys - often in places where dam removal or river threats are ongoing - they help cultivate the next generation of water protectors and Indigenous leaders.

They have been instrumental in advocating for dam removal on the Klamath and equipping the youth of this region to lead the next chapter of its story.

Visit Ríos to Rivers • Read the Press Release on the First Descent 

Join The Movement

Want to get involved?

• Donate directly to Ríos to Rivers to support experiential education, community building, & advocacy training for indigenous & underserved youth.
• Follow us on social to see more from the Klamath and future projects
• Read the New York Times article, HERE
• Read the CNN article, HERE
• Learn more about our Healthy Water initiative, HERE

Together, we paddle forward.