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!
Descending to depths of nearly 2,000 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. And as the centerpiece of Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake’s exceptional clarity makes it a prime tourist destination: The park routinely draws more than a half-million visitors every year.
Naturally, that beauty also attracts cyclists to the 33-mile Rim Drive circling the lake. It’s a grueling road, full of hairpin turns and thigh-burning ascents, but riders love Rim Drive for its solitude, scenic terrain, and stunning viewpoints along the way. So if you’d like to get out of the car and into the saddle, here’s what you need to know about cycling Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park.
Know Before You Go
You’ll need to prepare for the ride long before inflating your tires. Follow these tips for making the most of your trip:
It’s for experienced riders only. There are no shoulders along Rim Drive, and you’ll feel it whenever a vehicle passes you—especially on several of the route’s hairpin turns. As if that weren’t enough, the grueling workout demands several thousand feet of elevation gain, and you won’t find potable water along the route (other than at Rim Village). Then, there’s the altitude: You’ll be navigating the route at 7,000 feet.
Know when to go. Rather, know when not to go. Since you’ll share the road, try to avoid holidays, weekends, and the middle of the day. If possible, plan for shoulder season—generally, mid-June to Independence Day and Labor Day to early October—when the whole route is open, but crowds aren’t quite so heavy.
Keep an eye on cell reception. Cell phones can go from “no service” to full coverage in the span of a few feet, so take that into consideration ahead of time if you’ll need your phone for navigation.
Plan your route. For the most part, there’s no wrong way to ride the rim at Crater Lake. But by riding counterclockwise, you’ll save some of the park’s most scenic viewpoints for the end, when you’ll most appreciate a breather. In addition, if you’re going clockwise, you’ll end your ride with more of a climb.
Test your brakes. Rim Drive swaps short, steep descents for longer, more gradual grades. That, along with weather-damaged roads, can tax your bike’s brakes—so check cables to ensure they’re tight enough, and consider installing new brake pads before setting out.
When to Visit
Crater Lake National Park spends much of the year buried under several feet of snow—the average annual snowfall at park headquarters is 43 feet—so it’s difficult to predict when the entire Rim Drive route will open for the season. (Keep an eye on the official park website in May, June, and July for opening dates.) That said, here’s what to know for the most popular seasons.
Spring: West Rim Drive generally opens between late May and mid-June, and East Rim Drive opens a few weeks later. Seasonal opening dates depend on the previous winter’s snowfall totals and springtime snowmelt.
Summer: All roads in the park generally open by mid-July, but summer brings the biggest crowds to Crater Lake. Brace for the most congested roadways at midday, especially on weekends.
Fall: Freezing temperatures return in late September and early October (along with the season’s first snow flurries), and most in-park businesses close by Halloween. Rim Drive generally closes for the season by mid-October or early November.
Ride the Rim
Held on two Saturdays every September, Ride the Rim gives cyclists the opportunity to ride the 25-mile East Rim Drive while it’s completely closed to traffic (you can complete the full loop on the West Rim Drive, but that section is open to vehicles). The ride includes shuttles, bike corrals, and water refill stations along the way. Snacks are generally donated but aren’t guaranteed, so riders should bring plenty to sustain themselves. Note that the shuttle is only between North Junction (where Rim Drive meets the northern entry road) and park headquarters along the West Rim, and no SAG wagon is available.
What to See Along the Way
Natural beauty extends in every direction along Rim Drive. Here are some of the highlights cyclists can expect along the 33-mile route.
Rim Village: Perched on the lake’s southern shore, Rim Village is the beating heart of Crater Lake National Park. Rim Village hosts Crater Lake Lodge, a café, a gift shop, several viewpoints, and a visitor center.
Cleetwood Cove: The hiking trail descending to Cleetwood Cove offers the only safe and legal access to the Crater Lake shore. If you haven’t burned enough calories on the ride (ha!), the path drops 700 feet over 1.1 miles. Just remember to save some energy for the return route back to the rim.
Phantom Ship Overlook: There are few better places along the rim to enjoy views of the Phantom Ship, a rock formation that rises 170 feet above the lake.
Cloudcap Overlook: The highest point in the park accessible to vehicles and bicycles delivers some of the park’s best views from high above the lake’s eastern shore.
Watchman Overlook: Along the park’s western shore, Watchman Overlook showcases the park’s best (roadside) views of Wizard Island.
Riding the Rim Drive around Crater Lake isn’t easy. But for experienced cyclists, it’s one of those bucket-list adventures that’s well worth the effort. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the country and seeing it by bike is an experience that’s hard to pass up—just be sure to keep up with the training before you make the trek.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting beauty of Crater Lake—the fifth national park in the United States. Our guide is your ultimate ticket to discovering this pristine landscape’s most mesmerizing viewpoints. Whether you’re an early riser chasing the soft glow of sunrise, an adventure enthusiast searching for unique angles, or a nature lover yearning to absorb every inch of this wonder, Crater Lake beckons. Get ready to extend your stay and explore every hidden corner, capturing breathtaking moments that will forever be etched in your memory.
