Klamath Basin
With four well-defined seasons and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Klamath County has plenty of outdoor experiences for you to discover.
From fly fishing for giant native rainbows on the Williamson River, to kayaking and whitewater rafting to the Upper Klamath River to quiet canoeing on Klamath Lake at Rocky Point, the recreational opportunities here are virtually endless. And you just might have the place to yourself.
Klamath Basin Cities
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, Oregon, located in the heart of the Klamath Basin, offers a stunning combination of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Known as a gateway to Crater Lake National Park, it provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, golfing at Oregon’s only Arnold Palmer designed course, freshwater fishing and Oregon’s longest zipline. There’s also the oldest birding festival in the U.S. here, if with more than 350 bird species in one place.
Fort Klamath
Established in 1863, Fort Klamath now serves as the Klamath County Museum. Set on 8 acres, the museum’s grounds include the graves of four members of the Modoc tribe. Aside from the rich history, Fort Klamath is known for its location along a scenic byway, proximity to Crater Lake National Park, and epic fly fishing, birding and kayaking.
Chiloquin
Set on the banks of the legendary fly-fishing paradise of the Williamson River, Chiloquin offers easy access to Crater Lake National Park and endless wildlife watching, thanks to its nearby Agency Lake and Wood River Wetlands. Collier Memorial State Park & Logging Museum sits on the pristine convergence of Spring Creek and the fabled Williamson River and tells the pioneer and logging history of the region.
Bonanza
Bonanza is an agricultural community home to working farms, dairies, ranches, and even a ranch-turned-winery. 12 Ranch Wines and Windy Ridge Organic Dairy are both more than worth calling ahead to schedule a tasting and a tour.
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake, Oregon, is a picturesque community nestled in the heart of the stunning Cascade Range. Surrounded by dense forests and bordered by Crescent Lake and nearby Odell Lake.
Keno
Keno is a town of both history and adventure. Home to the Bill Scholtes Klamath Sportsman’s Park containing a motocross course, four wheel drive and off-highway course, an airfield for radio controlled aircraft, shooting ranges for both rifle and archery, picnic and camping areas, access to fishing on the Klamath River and more.
Sprague River
Sprague River is a country community of ranches, farms and rural living rich in wildlife and waterfowl.
Gilchrist
Gilchrist, once an old timber town, now a quaint family getaway in the woods. Here you can enjoy snowmobiling, hiking, riding, fishing, hunting, and cross country skiing and an abundance of rivers and lakes along with numerous protected wilderness areas with giant ponderosa pines.
Chemult
Chemult is a small, friendly community located in South – Central Oregon along US-Highway 97. It boasts a variety of outdoor recreation, including wintertime activities out of the Walt Haring Sno-Park, such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
Beatty
The historic mountain town of Beatty is recognized for its mines, pristine timber and ranch lands, and loads of picturesque rustic campsites. Located near the Sycan Marsh and Fremont-Winema National Forest, Beatty offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Southern Oregon’s natural beauty.
Bly
Bly exudes a peaceful and rustic charm that resonates with those seeking a quieter, more laid-back way of life. Life in Bly revolves around the stunning natural landscapes that surround the town. Known for its quiet charm and proximity to outdoor recreation, Bly offers access to the Fremont-Winema National Forest, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure. The area is ideal for activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Dairy
The town of Dairy is a great place to start your ride, walk, or run on the OC&E Trail, Oregon’s longest linear state park! It’s a small, rural community located in the Klamath Basin, surrounded by vast agricultural lands and scenic landscapes.
Malin
Malin, Oregon, located in the Klamath Basin, is a charming agricultural town known for its deep farming roots and small-town hospitality. Nestled near the California border, Malin offers a peaceful rural experience with close proximity to outdoor adventures like birdwatching and exploring the Lava Beds National Monument. Malin is the home of the very first Park District in the state of Oregon – dating back to 1944. The park’s building fund started with selling boxes of potatoes one at a time!
Merrill
Merrill is tucked in the heart of potato country, and boasts the annual 2-day Klamath Basin Potato Festival as proof. Known for its rich farming history and beauty, Merrill offers visitors a taste of small-town life surrounded by scenic farmlands. The town is also a gateway to nearby outdoor adventures, including birdwatching at Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges and exploring the region’s volcanic landscapes at Lava Beds National Monument.
Midland
Midland is a charming community filled with friendly residents, and loads of agriculture. Here you can drive along farm fields, gazing at a number of different bird species, deer, and perhaps even a coyote. With close proximity to Klamath Falls and nearby outdoor recreational opportunities, Midland is a quiet stop for travelers seeking to enjoy the region’s rich wildlife, wetlands, and open spaces.
Visit the Klamath Basin
Discover the serene beauty and untapped adventure of the Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon, a destination that beckons with its rich tapestry of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and year-round activities. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the Klamath Basin offers travelers an escape into a world where nature’s beauty remains unspoiled and the great outdoors is your playground.
Explore Nature’s Wonders
The Klamath Basin is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Home to the sprawling Klamath Lake, the largest freshwater body in Oregon, the region invites kayakers, anglers, and bird-watchers to immerse themselves in its tranquil waters and diverse ecosystems. Surrounding national forests and the nearby Lava Beds National Monument offer miles of hiking and biking trails, spelunking opportunities in fascinating lava tubes, and breathtaking vistas of volcanic landscapes.
A Bird-Watcher’s Paradise
Recognized internationally as a critical habitat for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway, the Klamath Basin’s wildlife refuges are a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. Each season brings a new spectacle, from the arrival of bald eagles in winter to the colorful displays of waterfowl in the spring. These natural sanctuaries provide unparalleled opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife in their natural habitats.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the Klamath Basin, where the heritage of Native American tribes, pioneers, and settlers is woven into the very fabric of the region. Museums and cultural centers offer insights into the lives of the Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute tribes, while historic sites recount the tales of early explorers and the Oregon Trail.
Adventure Awaits
Whether it’s fishing for trophy-sized trout, exploring geothermal wonders, or skiing the powdery slopes of nearby mountains, the Klamath Basin is a year-round destination for those seeking adventure. Each season unveils new activities, from summer hikes amidst wildflowers to autumnal festivals celebrating the region’s agricultural bounty.
Getting There
North - South
Klamath County lies along Highway 97 at the California – Oregon border, 2.5-hours north of Redding and 5-hours south of the Columbia River Gorge.
East - West
Klamath County is located between the Rogue Valley and Lake County, and Highway 140 provides easy travel from East to West across all three regions. The town of Klamath Falls serves as the halfway point between Medford and Lakeview, with it being about 2 hours in either direction.
