The winter season at Lake of the Woods is synonymous with the excitement of ice fishing. The lake's surface, transformed into a frozen playground, welcomes anglers with a full array of rentals, from augers to cozy huts. Lake of the Woods Resort ensures a hassle-free fishing experience by offering to drill the ice for you, as well as offering rentals for everything from augers to cozy huts. The annual ice fishing event is the crown jewel of the season, drawing anglers from all over to partake in this chilly but cheerful competition, making it a true extravaganza on ice. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, Lake of the Woods has something for every level of ice fisher.

The Kite Festival on Lake of the Woods is a vibrant display of artistry and community spirit, where the stark white of the frozen lake is transformed by the vivid colors of kites soaring in the winter sky. This family-friendly event, held annually on Valentine’s Day weekend, is more than just kite flying; it's a celebration of the joy and beauty of winter outdoors. The festival is a perfect complement to the ice fishing weekend that follows, offering a blend of high-flying fun and the cozy camaraderie of ice fishing, making it a must-visit winter destination.

Willamette Pass Resort is a winter sports enthusiast's dream that doesn’t break the bank, boasting a diverse range of trails that offer breathtaking views of Odell Lake and thrilling descents. Skiers of all skill levels can find their perfect run, from gentle slopes for beginners to the challenging RTS run (Oregon’s steepest run). The resort's high-speed six-passenger lift, a unique feature in the state, transports skiers to the mountain's summit, where they can indulge in the thrill of twilight and night skiing. Nestled close to Odell Lake, the resort provides not just a skiing adventure but a complete winter experience, with the Willamette Pass Inn & Cabins offering a restful haven to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Odell Lake Lodge & Resort offers a quintessential winter activity that is sure to enchant: sleigh rides through the snow-draped Deschutes National Forest. With a team of seven majestic Clydesdales, guests are invited to embark on a journey that feels plucked from a storybook. The resort's red sleigh, reminiscent of Santa's own, can carry up to four passengers through a serene forest landscape, offering a unique vantage point of the Oregon wilderness in its winter attire.

You and three others can snuggle under blankets, sipping on hot chocolate or coffee provided by the lodge, as you glide through the forest and catch glimpses of Odell Lake. This half-hour excursion is not just a ride but a cherished memory in the making, perfect for family bonding or a romantic escapade. The experience is a highlight of any winter visit to the region, and it's an activity that deserves a spot on every Oregon winter bucket list. After the ride, guests can continue their winter adventure with activities like sledding, snowshoeing, or skiing, making Odell Lake an ideal destination for a weekend getaway filled with picturesque moments and winter joy.

Embrace the serene beauty of Klamath with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures that cater to all levels of experience. Lake of the Woods beckons with its tranquil trails and the unique option to traverse the frozen lake surface itself. Odell Lake Lodge & Resort offers a direct path from cozy cabin doors to well-groomed trails, set against a panorama of towering pines and mountains. Crater Lake National Park elevates the experience with ranger-led snowshoe tours, allowing visitors to explore the park's winter splendor, accentuated by the striking contrast of its deep blue waters against the snow. Rentals are conveniently available, ensuring that whether you're gliding through silent, snow-laden forests or across open meadows, your snowy escapade is just a step away.

In the crisp embrace of Oregon's winter landscape, the cabins at Lake of the Woods and Odell Lake stand as havens of warmth and comfort. Lake of the Woods Resort's historic cabins provide a cozy sanctuary after engaging in ice fishing or snowshoeing on the pristine lake. Odell Lake Lodge & Resort, nestled amidst the Deschutes National Forest, is a paradise for snowmobilers and skiers, offering expansive shoreline views and towering pines. Willamette Pass Inn & Cabins, hidden among the evergreens, is perfectly situated for those eager to conquer the nearby ski slopes, while Crystal Creek Mountain Lodge presents a secluded haven for snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the Klamath Basin. Running Y Resort, basking in the glow of sunny winter days, beckons guests to explore the winter landscape, and Crater Lake Resort offers a picturesque backdrop for a winter sojourn, complete with snug cabins and snowshoeing expeditions close to the national park.

These winter retreats offer more than just accommodations; they provide immersive experiences in the heart of the Oregon Cascades. Each location boasts its own array of winter activities, from exhilarating snowmobile rides to the tranquility of a lakeside cabin retreat. Whether it's the appeal of a hearty meal at an on-site restaurant or the quaint charm of a cabin fireplace, these destinations promise a winter getaway that harmoniously blends adventure with the comforting allure of a home away from home.

Crater Lake National Park, known for its deep blue waters and heavy snowfall, offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes throughout the winter season beginning in December and running through April. These educational treks provide insights into the park's unique winter ecology and geology, highlighting how the lake, which rarely freezes, stands out against the snowy landscape. The park averages 512 inches of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest inhabited places in America, and these programs take full advantage of the stunning winter scenery.

The park's winter activities also include cross-country skiing on trails along the closed Rim Drive, suitable for various skill levels, and snowmobiling on the North Entrance Road up to the North Junction. While the park maintains plowed roads from the south entrance for visitor access, guests are advised to check for avalanche risks and come prepared for winter driving conditions. Reservations for the snowshoe hikes are recommended, and those interested in backcountry camping can obtain the necessary permits for an overnight stay

The Klamath Basin is a snowmobiling wonderland, boasting an extensive network of groomed trails maintained by the Klamath Basin Snowdrifters Club. From the Great Meadow Sno-Park to the Annie Creek Sno-Park near Crater Lake, snowmobilers have access to a variety of terrains, from tranquil forest paths to challenging ascents. Odell Lake Lodge & Resort offers a gateway to this winter paradise with snowmobile rentals and guided tours, ensuring that every visitor can find the perfect trail to match their thrill-seeking desires. Whether it's a peaceful ride through the snow-draped landscape or an ambitious trek to the rim of Crater Lake, Klamath County's snowmobiling experience is unmatched in its blend of adventure and picturesque scenery.