Welcome to the heart and soul of Southern Oregon! Find your path to your Klam-cation! As all roads in Klamath County lead to the Klamath Basin.
Thanksgiving Week November 27th-30th
Spend Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by the scenic beauty and cozy charm of Klamath County! Embrace the warmth of a hometown holiday with activities that’ll keep the whole family entertained. Start with seasonal outdoor adventures, enjoy a traditional feast, shopping, and festive fun. Whether you’re cozying up in a cabin, exploring snowy trails, or indulging in local flavors, Klamath County offers countless ways to make Thanksgiving unforgettable. From mountain lodges to lakefront cabins to a relaxing resort, and from snowy adventures to warm campfire gatherings, every path here leads to holiday cheer.
Kick off your Thanksgiving with the magical storytelling of The Tale of The Princess Kaguya on the big screen! Showing Thanksgiving Eve at Pelican Cinema as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2024, this enchanting film brings timeless beauty and adventure to your holiday week. Don’t miss it!
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, The Ross Ragland will celebrate 85 years of the building's history! The Esquire Theater opened on November 30, 1940, with the movie "The Westerner". To kick off their yearlong celebration, a special showing will be on the big screen! An exhibit featuring artifacts from the Esquire Theater will be on display in the lobby. Dana Wirth will also be performing to help celebrate in style! This is a FREE event, so don't forget to reserve your seats today!
September 27th, 2024
Escape to the serene beauty of Running Y Resort for a Thanksgiving weekend for a lifetime! Nestled in the heart of Klamath County, this luxurious resort is the perfect holiday retreat, offering complimentary tickets for two to their lavish Thanksgiving Buffet. Enjoy the resort's incredible amenities, including scenic horseback riding trails, a world-class golf course, and a rejuvenating spa. Make cherished holiday memories with loved ones as you glide across the ice skating rink (subject to reopening), then cozy up in beautifully appointed accommodations. At Running Y, Thanksgiving feels like a getaway tailored just for you!
This Thanksgiving, trade the bustle for a serene cabin stay in Klamath County! Unwind at Lake of the Woods, Rocky Point Resort, or Crystal Creek Mountain Lodge, where adventure and relaxation await. Spend your days fishing, kayaking, or paddling on tranquil waters, and your evenings by the campfire with s’mores in hand. Experience the magic of a holiday weekend surrounded by nature’s beauty!
Celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by the beauty of North Klamath County! Stay cozy in a lodge at Odell Lake Lodge & Resort, Lonesome Duck on the Willamette River, or Red Cone Lodge Bed & Breakfast by Crescent Lake, complete with a hot tub to unwind after a day of winter fun. With stunning views and a peaceful retreat, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday getaway!
Make your Thanksgiving memorable in Klamath Falls, with affordable lodging options for every budget—from KOA cabins to hotels like Fairfield, Shilo Inn, Days Inn, and Microtel Inn & Suites. While you’re here, explore charming downtown boutiques, shop for unique treasures, and enjoy a laid-back holiday atmosphere perfect for relaxing and unwinding!
November 28th, 2024
This Thanksgiving, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at the scenic Running Y Resort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and warm holiday ambiance, the Thanksgiving Buffet offers a luxurious spread of seasonal favorites that will delight every palate. From traditional roast turkey and all the classic trimmings to chef-inspired sides and delectable desserts, this feast is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.
For $65 per adult and $30 per child, indulge in the flavors of fall while overlooking the serene beauty of Klamath County. With seating times available at 2, 3, and 4 PM, it’s easy to find the perfect time to gather around the table. Reservations are required, so secure your spot today and make this Thanksgiving a cozy, delicious retreat at Running Y Resort.
September 29th, 2024
Indulge in pure relaxation this Thanksgiving with a rejuvenating spa day (or two!) at Running Y Resort, while the rest of the family explores Winter Wonderland adventures. For a memorable group experience, gather everyone for a scenic horseback ride through the resort’s stunning rolling acres, where breathtaking views and fresh mountain air make every moment unforgettable. Whether it’s unwinding solo or creating holiday memories together, Running Y Resort has something special for everyone this Thanksgiving.
This Black Friday, trade shopping lines for the snowy trails of Annie Creek Sno-Park! Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in the serene Fremont-Winema National Forest. Then, head to East Klamath County for fishing, kayaking, and a cozy campfire at Rocky Point or Upper Klamath Lake. Embrace an adventure-filled day surrounded by nature’s beauty!
Ditch the crowds and enjoy a unique adventure at Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin, home to the world’s longest miniature railroad with over 36 miles of scenic track through lush landscapes. After exploring the detailed train models, rent an e-bike from Zach’s Bikes in Klamath Falls to explore Collier Memorial State Park. Ride through forested trails, visit the Logging Museum, and discover historic logging equipment and cabins for a day of history, nature, and outdoor fun!
Skip the mall and discover Klamath Falls’ best treasures! Start your day exploring unique boutiques, thrift shops, and antique finds at places like Woodsy Kitchen, Rare Bird, Keeper’s Corner, and Everybody’s Vintage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at local favorites like Thai Orchid Café or Rooster’s Steak and Chop House. End the night with drinks at Basin Martini Bar, Common Block Brewing, or Volcanic Winery, then challenge family members to pool at Black Dog Billiards. This Black Friday, experience a local adventure full of charm, flavor, and fun!
September 30th-31st, 2024
Experience a winter escape in Klamath County, where sunny skies meet snowy adventures! With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the best of winter’s beauty. Information can be found here on rental equipment for snowy fun!
Discover Crater Lake National Park transformed into a winter wonderland. Snowshoe or cross-country ski along the scenic Rim Drive with breathtaking views of the lake’s deep blue waters. Join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk to learn about the park’s unique winter ecosystem and enjoy the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes.The memories and pictures will be priceless.Winter guide to visiting Crater Lake in the winter.
Add some extra fun to your trip with a visit to Annie Creek Sno-Park, where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing on snowy trails surrounded by towering pines. It's an ideal spot to dive into Klamath’s outdoor magic.
Glide across the open-air Bill Collier Community Ice Arena, set amidst forested hills in Klamath Falls. Whether you're a pro skater or just starting out, it’s a winter activity for all ages. Be sure to call the arena for open skate days and time! (Subject to Reopening).
Klamath County’s blend of sunshine and snow offers the ultimate setting for a memorable winter vacation. From Crater Lake’s stunning vistas to the family-friendly fun at Annie Creek Sno-Park, this winter wonderland awaits you!
Klamath Falls is famously Oregon’s “City of Sunshine”, a nickname it earned for enjoying 300 days of sunshine every year. With that much nice weather, our summers across the Klamath Basin typically mean blue skies and crisp temperatures well into October and even early November—making fall a fun time to visit the region. Every autumn, you’ll enjoy fresh fare and seasonal beers, beloved festivals, and the perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Here’s your guide to making the most of fall in Klamath County.
Visit Klamath Falls in early October, and you’ll be treated to vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow as forests come alive with dazzling fall foliage displays. Oak, elm, and maple trees turn colors all over the region. Admire the colorful trees that line Highway 62 as you head east from Klamath Falls, along the trail at Wood River Wetland, and at Rocky Point Resort—where aspen trees light up in several electric shades of yellow.
Over 500,000 visitors make the journey to Crater Lake National Park every year, mostly between July and September. But with school back in session and cooler temperatures on the horizon, fall makes an idyllic time to visit Oregon’s only national park.
Enjoy wide-open photo ops from along the33-mile Rim Drive, more elbow room while viewing exhibits inside the newly reopened Steel Information Center, and sun-kissed views from many of the park’s lower-elevation trails (such as the Plaikni Falls Trail) that haven’t been blanketed by the season’s first snowfall.
At the end of your day, sit down to Pacific Northwest-inspired flavors at the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, which remains open through mid-October; reservations are requested—and are easier to snag in early fall than at the height of summer.
Just be sure to bring a light jacket, hat, and gloves to protect against the cooler temperatures—and check the current weather before heading up to the park.
The Klamath Basin is home to roughly 1,800 producers who grow all manner of crops—including potatoes, carrots, greens, and more. With the fall harvest approaching, enjoy the flavors of the season at restaurants across the region, where just-harvested crops are used in countless dishes at family-friendly brewpubs, fast-casual delis, vegan-friendly Mediterranean bistros, and so forth. Learn all about the crops and farmers of the Klamath Basin, and get inspired for your next great meal.
Every summer, right around Labor Day, hopbines are harvested on farms across Oregon. In many instances, these hops—theingredients that give beer so many of its flavors and aromatics—are processedfor use by craft brewers over the coming months; in a few instances, though,those hop plants are plucked from the bine and used to craft beer within 24hours.
The resulting ales and lagers are called fresh-hop beers and, since most of the country’s hop farms are located in the Pacific Northwest, they’re a uniquely regional phenomenon. They first show up at breweries and pubs across the region in early September—and are typically done soon after the last hop harvest ends in late October.
Take advantage of the early-fall exclusives and sip your way through fresh-hop beers at The Falls Taphouse (which hosts on-site food carts and offers rooftop seating), The Growler Guys (pouring 40 taps of beer, as well as kombucha, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages), and at Mia & Pia's Pizzeria & Brewhouse (which pairs more than a dozen of its own beers with scratch-made pizzas). You'll also enjoy plenty of seasonal sips at Klamath Basin Oktoberfest, the region’s largest harvest celebration; the festival takes place in late September and features fresh brews from roughly a dozen regional producers, as well savory bites from a handful of food vendors and live music from local acts.
Are you planning to visit around Halloween? Join the fun at Scarecrow Row—the Klamath Basin's largest harvest festival and a popular tradition in downtown Klamath Falls.
The festival takes place on the Saturday before Halloween and features all the hallmarks of a hometown event—including a children's costume parade, trick-or-treating at select businesses around downtown, a pumpkin-decorating station, an area where costumed children can build a bird feeder, face-painting, and other family activities. Just next door, the Klamath Falls Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and hand-crafted artisan items.
Cool afternoons, sunny skies, and the start of the fall migration make early autumn an idyllic time to paddle the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail.
The marked water trail—think of it as a hiking trail, only with paddling in lieu of walking—totals 9.5 miles at the northwestern edge of Upper Klamath Lake. Along the way, paddlers head through marshlands, wetlands, riparian forests, and a bit of open water—where they might see a wide range of wildlife. Possible sightings include river otters, deer, and beavers. Early autumn also marks the earliest days of the migration that brings more than 1 million birds to the Klamath Basin, so keep an eye out for the occasional pelican, egret, wood duck, and other common species of bird in the placid waters around you.
Learn about paddling the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail, and start your outing with help from a local outfitter.
The Klamath Basin is home to five national wildlife refuges, each of which were federally protected to provide habitat for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway (a migratory bird route that stretches from Alaska to Argentina).
While most of the region's birds won't passthrough until late fall and winter, early autumn provides an ideal time to hike refuge trails and follow auto tour routes to spy some of the region's wildlife. In addition to dozens of species of bird, you may glimpse bobcats, badgers, coyotes, and even the occasional black bear. Learn more about national wildlife refuges in the Klamath Basin.
The underground attractions at Lava Beds National Monument offer a cool respite from the summer sun—and the national monument's aboveground hiking trails showcase another side of the massive shield volcano on a radiant fall afternoon.
In all, 13 hiking trails cover more than 30miles across the national monument; volcanic views from along those foot paths include a collapsed lava tube, far-reaching lava flows, and Black Crater—a spatter cone covered in lava. For a look at the cultural history that makes Lava Beds so special, start with a short jaunt on the Captain Jacks Stronghold Trail. Choose between a 0.5-mile inner loop or a 1.5-mile outer loop, both of which head through the heart of the Modoc's defenses during the Modoc War of 1872-73.A lack of shade makes this a moderately difficult hike in summer—but a breezy fall afternoon offers the perfect backdrop for a day on the trail. And if you’d like to learn more about this crucial chapter in regional history, listen to the Modoc War Audio Tour on your return trip; the narrated trip sheds light on the Modoc War, showcases the Klamath Basin’s communities, and discusses light-hearted events.
Of course, you’ll still find plenty of great caves at Lava Beds National Monument in case you’d like to head underground.
On the western shore of Upper Klamath Lake sits Spence Mountain—a scenic crag that's home to some of the best mountain-biking trails in Southern Oregon. Awaiting riders there are a crowd-pleasing mix of beginner-friendly trails, technical trails, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes amidst it all.
There's no bad time to ride the trails at Spence Mountain, but a fun confluence of factors make fall an especially rewarding time to hop in the saddle. For starters, trails are less dusty than at the height of summer—offering fast, flowy conditions and a smooth ride. Cool temperatures provide a nice breeze while you're zipping down the path, as well.(Just note that the year’s first snowfall may cover the trails by November.)Keep an eye out for bald eagles in the forests of oak and pine around you—and mule deer in the meadows you'll pass on your way down the mountain.
Learn more about why Spence Mountain is one of the top 10 outdoor adventures in Klamath.
All summer long, the Sky Lakes Wilderness buzzes with hikers excited to cool off in the region’s reservoirs—home to some of the most chemically pure water in the world. But the arrival of fall brings cooler weather, quieter trails, and (maybe most refreshingly) no mosquitos.
Listen for the sounds of pileated wood peckers as you head through forests scarred by wildlife along the Sky Lakes Loop hike. The trail measures up to14.5 miles (round-trip), but plenty of loop options make it easy to find a distance suited to your experience level and time constraints. In early October, once you journey past the early stand of charred trees, the forest is positively electric with maple trees alight in hues of red, orange, and yellow; the lakes themselves, meanwhile, reflect those dazzling displays in their remarkable clarity. You’ll have most of the views to yourself—with few other hikers and no late-season mosquitoes across the sweeping old-growth forest.
The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is a 500-mile All-American Road of which 140 miles wind through southern Oregon and is renowned for its volcanic history and stunning landscapes. This All-American Road offers a journey through the Cascade Mountain Range, showcasing Crater Lake, the deepest lake in North America, formed by the eruption of Mt. Mazama. The byway is rich in geological and cultural history, featuring attractions like Fort Klamath Museum, Link River Trail, and the Upper Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can explore historic sites, hike scenic trails, and enjoy wildlife viewing, making it a unique and captivating destination.