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!
November 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, 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 Williamson 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!
Up to 750,000 visitors drive around the rim at Crater Lake National Park, spend a night at the park’s campgrounds, and hike its trails every year. The vast majority of those, however, arrive between June and September—when sunny skies reveal Crater Lake’s deep blue hue and most of the park’s attractions are snow-free.
Winter, however, creates a whole new experience—where 42 feet of snow falls between November and April, covering the park in a picturesque blanket of white. Since much of the park is closed during this stretch, outdoor adventures take center stage. So if you’d like to make the easy, hour-long drive from Klamath Falls during the quiet season, here’s everything to know about visiting Crater Lake National Park in winter.
Go Sightseeing Around Rim Village
On sunny winter days, Crater Lake's deep blue hue positively pops against the snowy surroundings and creates a colorful contrast. If you have a few free hours, it’s well worth your time to walk around Rim Village and admire the views.
Those with mobility impairments can take advantage of gently graded paved paths and three wheelchair-accessible overlooks to enjoy the views. Paths may be covered in snow but are generally well-maintained for visitor safety. Snowbanks across Rim Village may be steep and block lake views, so head to the third floor of Rim Café and Gift Shop—where an observatory room offers unobstructed Crater Lake views from above the snow.
Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
When snow blankets the park’s roads, they turn into idyllic playgrounds for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. East Rim Drive takes outdoor enthusiasts away from the lake and into snowy forests, while West Rim Drive offers up-close views of Watchman Peak, Wizard Island, and other notable natural features.
Marked and unmarked routes are available, though none are groomed; check with a park ranger about conditions and recommended trails before heading out. Snowshoe rentals are available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at Rim Café and Gift Shop.
Snowmobile to the Rim of Crater Lake
Largely between December and March, Crater Lake's North Entrance Road is groomed for snowmobile use. From the park's North Junction on Rim Drive, snowmobilers may enjoy sweeping views of the lake and nearby peaks. Rentals and tours (for individuals and groups alike) are available from Odell Lake Lodge & Resort, which sits north of the park; trips begin at the lodge, traverse the forest’s snowy backcountry, and go as far as the Crater Lake rim for a full day of adrenaline-pumping fun.
Try Sledding on Small, Scenic Hillsides
Traveling with your family? Bring your sled, and hit the (gentle) slopes in the meadow south of Crater Lake Lodge—or on other small hills in the area. Sledding is not permitted along roads, in parking areas, or within the caldera—so a friendly park ranger is happy to provide suggestions for where to go and what’s accessible.
Take a Ranger-Led Snowshoe Tour
Let a ranger lead you on an off-trail adventure through the park’s forests and meadows—with a stop at the lake’s rim; these Crater Lake snowshoe hikes—which include discussions of how plants and animals survive the region’s harsh winters—are typically offered Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays in winter. Reservations are required—and can be made by calling the park at 541-594-3000; in recent years, staffing shortages have led to fewer tours, so be sure to call ahead to see if (or when) tours will be offered to help with trip planning.
What to Know About Crater Lake in Winter
Generally speaking, “winter” at Crater Lake lasts between November and April. So when the snow falls, keep these tips in mind for a safe, fun experience:
What’s open and closed: By winter, the only road in the park accessible to vehicles is the southern entrance road, which runs seven miles (one way) between Highway 62 and Rim Village on the lake’s southern rim; the northern entrance and 33-mile Rim Drive are both closed. Even then, snowstorms can close the southern entrance road while crews work to keep it plowed and safe. Check the official Crater Lake National Park website for updated road conditions and closures.
Park services: When the southern entrance road is open in winter, restrooms are available at Rim Village; look for the snow tunnels, which provide restroom access, near the Rim Café and Gift Shop. If you get hungry, the Rim Café and Gift Shop is the only place to purchase food in the park; there, you can pick up light bites, snacks, and beverages.
Winter lodging at Crater Lake: In winter, all in-park lodgings and campgrounds are closed; if you’d like to spend the night nearby, browse our list of lodgings around Crater Lake and Klamath Falls that can provide a comfortable stay.
Plan ahead: Temperatures typically hover between 20ºF and 40ºF in winter—so layer up with apparel that’s appropriate for whatever activities you choose. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water, since options for both are limited within the park. And ensure your vehicle has snow chains or other traction devices that can help handle the winding road to Rim Village. Shortly before heading out, check the Crater Lake National Park webcam to see conditions around the park.
Things to Do Near Crater Lake in Winter
Crater Lake is undoubtedly a top winter attraction in Klamath County—but there’s plenty to love across our scenic region. Here are a few things to do in Klamath Falls and across the Cascade Range to inspire your next trip:
Winter Adventure at Klamath’s Lakes: Crater Lake isn’t the only lake in Klamath County; the likes of Odell Lake and Lake of the Woods Resort offer plenty of adventures—indoors and out—for a memorable trip. Learn more about winter at Klamath’s lakes.
Winter Adventures in Klamath County: There is no shortage of winter adventures around Klamath County—with activities that include ice-skating, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even underground caving.
Klamath County’s Museums: If you’d rather stay inside and warm, learn about regional history at Klamath County museums. Fascinating exhibits cover Native American history in the region, our historic ties to the logging industry, and the area’s natural wonders.
Willamette Pass Resort: Go skiing or snowboarding at Willamette Pass Resort in the heart of the Cascade Range; there, 30 trails provide plenty of fresh powder to explore. In addition to more than 1,500 feet of vertical drop, the resort offers Nordic skiing trails, a terrain park, an on-site restaurant and lodge, and more.
Klamath County is defined by its landscapes—from the forests and pastures around Klamath Falls to the dramatic blue hues of Crater Lake National Park. And at the far northwestern edge of our region, less than two hours from Klamath Falls, sits another beloved landscape: the dramatic slopes of Willamette Pass Resort at the summit of the Cascade Range.
