Discover Klamath logo
Adventure Guide

Five Things to Love About Upper Klamath Lake

All Roads Lead to a Klamath Thanksgiving!

Oktoberfest logo

All Roads Lead to Oktoberfest

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.

Discover Klamath logo

Thanksgiving Week November 27th-30th

Hometown Thanksgiving Adventure in Klamath County: Where Every Road Leads to Holiday Fun!

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.

Newsflash

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

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!

Gary Cooper - The Westerner

Ross Ragland 85th Annual Fundraiser Showing The Westerner

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!

thanksgiving Eve

September 27th, 2024

People enjoying kayaks on Klamath

Luxury Resort Avenue

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, then cozy up in beautifully appointed accommodations. At Running Y, Thanksgiving feels like a getaway tailored just for you! 

Rocky point cabin

Cozy Cabin Trail

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!

Crystal Creek cabin

North County Lodge Lane

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!

Sandwiches

Black Friday Under Blue Skies Blvd

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!

Thanksgiving day buffet

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.

Black Friday Under Blue Skies

September 29th, 2024

Luxury Resort Avenue

Luxury Resort Avenue

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.

Rocky point cabin

Lakefront Cozy Cabin Trail

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!

Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin

North County Lodge Lane

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!

Blue Skies Boulevard

Black Friday Under Blue Skies Blvd

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!

weekend wonderland

September 30th-31st, 2024

Winter Wonders Await in Klamath County

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!

A Jeep in the snow

Explore Snowy Crater Lake National Park

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.

Snowy crater lake national park

Adventure at Annie Creek Sno-Park

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.

Ice Skating at Bill Collier Community Ice Arena

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).

Ice skating in Klamath

Plan Your Winter Escape

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!

Savor the massive freshwater lake’s many wonders.

It’s hard to put into words just how massive Upper Klamath Lake is—in more ways than one. In one sense, it’s a physically imposing body of water. Sitting immediately northwest of Klamath Falls, Upper Klamath Lake measures nearly 30 miles long and stretches eight miles across at its widest point, making it Oregon’s largest body of water and the largest freshwater body west of the Rocky Mountains. Put another way: At 90,000 acres, Upper Klamath Lake alone is larger than the cities of Detroit, Philadelphia, and Dublin. Then again, Upper Klamath Lake also looms large in the imagination of curious visitors and excited locals. After all, it’s where more than 1 million birds pass through on their annual migrations, where paddlers find solitude amid peaceful wetlands, and where anglers fish for massive redband trout—which can grow up to 25 inches long. If you’re interested in seeing the lake’s allure up-close on your next visit, here’s a guide to five things to love about Upper Klamath Lake.

ACTIVITIES
Bird Watching
Family Fun
Fishing
Kayaking
Lakes
SEASONS
Spring
Summer
Fall

Photo Credit Kelsey White

Wildlife-Watching Opportunities Abound All Year Long

More than 300 species of bird frequent Upper Klamath Lake

It’s impossible to discuss wildlife-watching at Upper Klamath Lake without talking about the many birds that pass through every year. (Is it any wonder that birdwatching is one of the must-do experiences in Klamath Falls?) Between fall and spring, more than 1 million birds—representing roughly 350 species—migrate through the Klamath Basin; in doing so, many rest, nest, feed, and forage across the Upper Klamath Lake watershed. That includes bald eagles, American white pelicans, sandhill cranes, and more. Learn about the top species of bird at Upper Klamath Lake, and see where to spy them on your next trip.

 Of course, not all the animals around Upper Klamath Lake take flight. Whether you’re paddling the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail, picnicking at a lakeside park, or driving around the lakeshore, keep an eye out for river otters and mink frolicking in the reservoir’s shallow pools, mule deer bounding through forests, and even the occasional coyote looking for its next meal in meadows and grasslands.

Upper Klamath Canoe Trail Provides Premier Paddling

The 9.5-mile water trail offers an up-close look at wildlife, natural scenery, and more

With such a broad surface area, there’s a lot of ground for paddlers to cover across Upper Klamath Lake. Fortunately, the9.5-mile Upper Klamath Canoe Trail makes it easy with a marked path that heads through wetlands and riparian forests at the northwest corner of the lake.

 Take your own paddle craft on the water—or sign up for a tour with a local outfitter—for a pleasant day patrolling the protected waters. Along the way, you might see yellow wocus plants blooming in summer, beaver lodges fashioned from sticks and logs, a variety of birds, and nearby mountain peaks. Best of all: A slow flow makes the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail an approachable activity for beginners and a relaxing adventure for more experienced paddlers.

Sweeping Views Await at Local Parks

Savor the views from these picturesque parks

Numerous parks line the shores of Upper Klamath Lake and offer plentiful opportunities to unfurl a picnic blanket, spy the area’s wildlife, take a short stroll, and relax under canopies of shady fir and pine trees. 

Near the southern shore of Upper Klamath Lake—and next to the Link River—sits one of the most popular green spaces in Klamath Falls: Moore Park. The bustling park hosts an 18-holedisc golf course, several walking trails, picnic areas with barbecue pits, family-friendly playground equipment, and on-site restrooms. In winter, watch for herons and wrens in the leafy tree cover. 

Further west, the Spence Mountain network of trails offer some of the top outdoor adventures in Klamath—with paths geared toward mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers looking to soak up some of the region’s scenery. A pleasant trail heads to the shore of Shoalwater Bay and the tip of Eagle Ridge, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the wider Upper Klamath Lake. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, owls, bluebirds, hawks, and deer in the wetlands that surround some of Spence Mountain's easier trails. Eagle Ridge Park is on site and includes picnic tables, a campground with six primitive sites, a boat launch, and vault toilets.

The Fish Are Always Biting in the Lake’s Cool Waters

Upper Klamath Lake doubles as a prolific year-round fishery

Upper Klamath Lake is one of the Klamath Basin's top fisheries, with plenty to entice anglers in all seasons. (Learn more about other popular lakes in Klamath.) 

Several boat launches—like those at Rocky Point Day Use and Harriman Springs Resort & Marina—make it easy to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. In fall and spring, you'll see plenty of anglers sport fishing for redband trout, which routinely reach 20 to 25 inches. Rainbow trout are also sought-after in fall and spring, as well. Learn more about other top outdoor adventures in Klamath.

Photo Credit Running Y Resort

Close-In Overnight Stays Offer Cozy Retreats

You’ll find a variety of overnight stays on—and near—the lakeshore

No matter your style, you’ll find a comfortable overnight stay along (and near) Upper Klamath Lake. 

Rocky Point Resort offers an outdoorsy retreat on the lake’s northwestern shore—not far from popular put-in spots along the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail. The popular resort hosts lakeside homes, old-school cabins, vintage hotel rooms, fully furnished RV sites, and basic campsites. Across the resort, you'll enjoy a full-service restaurant that offers panoramic lake views and a variety of boat rentals that range from kayaks, canoes, and row boats to paddle boats, pontoons, and motorboats.

 Nearby, Harriman Springs Resort and Marina hosts a trio of upscale cabins alongside eight RV sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms with showers near the lake's western shore. Get on the water with the resort's rentals—which include canoes, row boats, fishing boats, and pontoons.

 Toward the southern edge of the lake sits the3,600-acre RunningY Resort—which dazzles guests with farm-to-table fare at the on-site Ruddy Duck restaurant, an 18-hole golf course designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, an opulent spa with treatments catered to a variety of needs, luxe vacation home rentals, and chic lodge rooms.

Where are the Falls in Klamath Falls?

As a name, Klamath Falls has a rich history deeply connected to the falls on the Link River. These falls, originally a series of rapids and cascades, played a pivotal role in the city's early development. Despite changes over time due to human intervention, the spirit of the falls continues to be a significant part of Klamath Falls' identity.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Experience this activity