Nestled at the foot of the Cascade Range in Southern Oregon, Klamath County is awash in natural beauty. And, befitting the region’s many landscapes, you can take it all in however you see fit: from the well-worn path of a hiking trail, along one of the region’s relaxing waterways, in the saddle of a mountain bike, or even while tethered to a zipline. As you’re planning future getaways, here are four adventures for making the most of the sunny weather and enjoying all that scenery around Klamath County.
Hike Among Lava Flows
Hiking trails dot Klamath County, connecting hikers with dense forests, lava flows and more. About 45 miles northwest of Klamath Falls, the Summit Sno-Park and Trailhead offers easy access to the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the footpath as it heads south, crosses Highway 140 and darts between hemlock forests and rust-colored cinder atop the Brown Mountain Lava Flow. Wide-open views of Mount McLoughlin overwhelm the surroundings to the north. The PCT continues south, but a 6-mile round-trip hike showcases the best of the views in this area. The trail gradually gains about 675 feet along this stretch, making it suitable for most casual hikers.
For a closer look, make the 10-mile round-trip trek to the summit of Mount McLoughlin — the highest point in the southern Cascades, with views of several nearby peaks and the rim of Crater Lake. Keep an eye out for small rock mounds and trail signs fastened to trees and bring a map, first-aid supplies and other Ten Essentials before hitting the trail. Given that the trail gains nearly 4,000 feet, it’s best suited to experienced hikers.
The 4.4-mile Varney Creek Trail is about 45 minutes northwest of Klamath Falls, just off Highway 140 — also known as the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Here you’ll find a more moderate trek, with opportunities for fishing and swimming in pristine mountain lakes.
Wherever you go, grab lunch before heading out with help from Green Blade Bakery (which makes its naturally leavened breads from scratch) or Green Springs Market (known for sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients) — both in Klamath Falls.
Zipline Through the Trees and Paddle Under the Moonlight
If you could zip through the trees or paddle a crystal-clear lake, what would you choose? Crater Lake ZipLine’s all-day, all-inclusive tour delivers both. The outfitter’s one-of-a-kind Skyak package gets you on the water for a kayak tour of Malone Springs, just north of Upper Klamath Lake. It includes lunch and caps off the day with a three-hour zipline canopy tour that affords aerial views of the region’s most iconic sights, like Upper Klamath Lake, Mount McLoughlin and the rim of Crater Lake. The little ones in your crew will love the Kid’s Zipline Adventure Park, designed for children ages 5 to 12.
Not tired yet? Check out Crater lake ZipLine’s other unique guided adventures, including axe-throwing, mountain lake fishing, a guided UTV tour to the top of Tomahawk Mountain with craft beverages at the top, sunset and moonlight kayak tours, and a guided night hike — a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the night under the pristinely dark skies of this region. When you’re all done, enjoy views of Upper Klamath Lake from the lakeside restaurant at Rocky Point Resort.
Paddle Through Crystal-Clear Creeks
The Klamath Basin and Cascade foothills are home to countless waterways. Bring a kayak (or join a tour) for access to the calm blue waters of Spring Creek, one of the only places in the world where you will find Mare’s Eggs, the extremely rare bulbous algae colonies that take many years to form (feel free to look but please don’t touch). When visiting this area, please be respectful to tribes by leaving the area cleaner than you found it and never removing artifacts from the site. Look for interpretive signs on-site about the tribal significance of the area.
Unwind afterward at The Burger Shack in Chiloquin with some hearty comfort food. Fully fueled, continue your journey to the famed logging museum at Collier Memorial State Park. Here you’ll see rare antique logging equipment, some dating back to the 1880s, and learn about the important role of railroads in Oregon’s logging history. The park is also home to a photo-worthy pioneer village.
And after paddling the Williamson River — which passes through Klamath Basin farmland just north of Chiloquin — stop in at the tribal-owned Kla-Mo-Ya Casino for a bite at the on-site restaurant, where you can find homestyle favorites like country-fried steak, ribeye and BBQ pork ribs.
After paddling around Crescent Lake in the Cascade foothills, kick back at The Pines Bar & Grill at Hoodoo’s Crescent Lake Resort. Noted for its lodge-like interior and expansive patio, the restaurant serves fresh-caught fish alongside a menu of American classics.
Looking for rentals to get started? A variety of experienced outfitters have you covered — including Real Oregon Experience, which has been guiding kayakers for more than 20 years, and Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures, which offers optional drop-off and pick-up services for your kayak.
Bike Forest Trails
The Klamath Basin boasts miles of world-class singletrack bike trails — the Spence Mountain network being the most popular, with nearly 40 miles of crisscrossing trails. Beginners and experts alike can spy Upper Klamath Lake and other local landmarks from the singletrack paths. After getting off the trail, enjoy a plate of pub-style fish and chips at the Ruddy Duck restaurant at Running Y Ranch Resort.
The Moore Mountain Trail System sits inside Klamath Falls city limits, and most of the system’s ascents are relatively mild — all creating an easy escape for families and beginner riders. Afterward, refuel with the classic Margherita pie at Rodeos Pizza & Saladeria, made with plenty of fresh mozzarella and basil.
Gentle ascents and descents are the hallmark of the High Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, known for delivering a smooth ride on a wide path near the Lake of the Woods region. Speaking of which, pop into The Lake House Restaurant or Marina Pizza at Lake of the Woods Resort for great views and a killer panini. A recent remodel offers a fresh feel and a new bar upstairs.
If you need a bike, Zach’s Bikes offers rentals along with shuttle and delivery services. The Cerulean Hotel rents bikes for children and adults, with a variety of styles suited to novice and experienced riders.
If You Go:
Klamath Falls is known for its year-round sunshine, so there’s never a bad time to visit the region. That said, temperatures in the Klamath Basin can reach near triple digits in the heart of summer — all the more reason to hit the water or head into the Cascades. Find plenty of lodging options in the area, from hotels, motels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds. Always check wildfire conditions and closures before you go.
