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!
Visiting Crater Lake is a must when going to southern Oregon, but there are many other fabulous attractions to explore while there. Crater Lake has many hidden offerings in and around the national park that you will want to add to your itinerary. The stunning view points around Crater Lake can oftentimes be crowded during the summer season, leaving many areas unexplored. To help you sort out some of the best offerings, we have put together 6 attractions near Crater Lake.
Crater Lake Zipline
The Crater Lake Zipline nestled in the Fremont-Winema National Forest is an interactive option for all those who love an adventure. Located 40 minutes away from Crater Lake, this thing to do near Crater Lake will keep you entertained all day long. The Crater Lake Zipline is Oregon’s longest zipline series and the only one that traverses a National Forest in the entire United States. This adventure is guided and will take you approximately 3 hours to complete. While doing this, you will see outstanding views of Mt. McLoughlin, Upper Klamath Lake, and the nearby Cascades. With 9 ziplines, 2 rappels, and 2 skybridges, this high flying adventure will keep you spellbound. Groups of 10 will be escorted along the zipline by a trained guide that will make sure they are educated on zipline etiquette and safety before they begin. There is even a smaller zipline course, Sasquatch Hollow, for the little adventurers that don’t meet the weight or height requirements for the bigger one. The check-in location remains the same for both. Be sure to follow all of the rules set before you and listen carefully to your guide so you can make the most of this fun adventure. Of attractions near Crater Lake, this is definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.
Train Mountain Railroad Museum
The Train Mountain Railroad Museum, located in the picturesque Klamath County near Crater Lake, is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and families alike. Home to the world's longest miniature railroad, the museum boasts over 36 miles of meticulously maintained track that winds through beautiful, forested landscapes. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of model trains and railroad memorabilia, take guided tours, and even enjoy a ride on the mini trains. The museum offers a unique blend of history, engineering marvels, and scenic beauty, making it a fascinating destination for all ages
Upper Klamath Canoe Trail
The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail offers an enchanting journey through some of Southern Oregon's most pristine and ecologically rich wetlands. This 9.5-mile waterway meanders through the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, providing paddlers with an up-close look at diverse bird species, aquatic plants, and tranquil waters. The trail features well-marked routes suitable for all skill levels, from novice canoeists to experienced kayakers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and marshlands, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers seeking a serene escape.
Located about 20 miles from Crater Lake, Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site is a 19-acre park established in 1955. It features a forested landscape with ponderosas, lodgepoles, and quaking aspens, as well as the Wood River headwaters. Named after a local forest warden, the site offers camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers can find brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the Wood River. The park has ten basic camping sites and a short trail connecting the campground to the headwaters. Open from mid-April to October, it's an ideal family-friendly destination in southern Oregon.
Annie Creek Sno-Park
Annie Creek Sno-Park, nestled near Crater Lake in Oregon, offers a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. This scenic park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, providing well-groomed trails that wind through the serene, snow-covered landscape. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape amidst towering trees and pristine white vistas, making it an ideal spot for both adventure and tranquility. The Sno-Park also serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the nearby Crater Lake National Park in its winter splendor, providing ample opportunities for breathtaking views and memorable experiences in the heart of nature.
The Pinnacles
Much like the Pumice Desert in that it is a geological feature that has been shaped due to the collapse of Mount Mazama, the Pinnacles offer an entirely different sightseeing option. The Pinnacles are located in the southeastern corner of Crater Lake National Park. These attractions near Crater Lake are a group of pumice spires, with varying colors of gray and brown, that were formed by erosion. Some of the cones you will see are extremely tall and sharpen to a point, whereas others are more slim. Also known as fossil fumaroles, the Pinnacles are surrounded by the vibrant forests providing a stark contrast with their vegetation free appearance. The best description of the Pinnacles is from one of the interpretive boards at Crater Lake National Park, where it says:
“The history of the Pinnacles began when the eruptions of Mount Mazama were reaching their climax 7,700 years ago. Floods of red-hot, gas-charged pumice poured down Mazama's slopes at speeds reaching up to 100 mph (160 kph). In addition to pumice, flows of heavier rocks called Scoria also tumbled out. These glowing avalanches flooded down slope for miles, leaving deep deposits in their wake. Temperatures in the deposits may have exceeded 750 F (400 C). Plumes of vapors appeared, and gasses escaped from the settling rocks through vents called fumaroles. In the extreme heat, minerals in the gasses welded the sides of the fumaroles in the shape of slender cones. Since then, streams have eroded a canyon through the deposits, exposing the cones. Many of these fossilized fumaroles are hollow."
You can get some of the best views of the Pinnacles from overlooks at the end of the access road as well as along the Pinnacles trail that follows the valley. The Pinnacles hike is short in length, but due to popularity among visitors can be busy. Most times you should not have to deal with large crowds.
Not Too Far From Crater Lake
These 6 attractions near Crater Lake and many other options are all within a half day’s drive and worth the exploration. For some other great attractions near Crater Lake, consider spending some time in nearby Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, or Fort Klamath. These local areas offer many events centered around the surrounding landscape, along with local arts and culture. Whether you choose to take advantage of the Crater Lake Zipline or prefer to see geological wonders, the area surrounding Crater Lake has attractions for everyone. Head over to any of these locations for a great addition to your southern Oregon trip.
If you’re planning your first trip to Klamath, we’d understand if you’re not sure where to begin. You can, after all, visit Oregon’s only national park, hike through a lava tube, and spy migrating birds while paddling Upper Klamath Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Rocky Mountains—all in the same day. And that’s to say nothing of the great museums and refreshing brewpubs in the heart of downtown Klamath Falls. That’s why we’ve put together a first-timer’s guide to Klamath—complete with essential activities, what makes each so special, what you’ll enjoy all year long, and how to get started. There’s a lot to love, and we’re excited to inspire a memorable trip with some of our most beloved destinations. So as you start planning, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Klamath Falls and across the region for first-time visitors.
