With more than 300 days of sunshine Klamath Country is a bicyclist's paradise. Bike over pine covered hills or gentle mountain valleys, through a wildlife refuge, past countryside farms and ranches, or ride the rim of Crater Lake. Don't have a bike? Inquire at Hutch's Bicycles for rentals. Don't forget to carry a camera, and remember to follow the rules of the road. Oregon & California state law requires minors to wear helmets when riding bicycles.
Enjoy riding with a group? Hutch's Bicycles has organized group rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm., 808 Klamath Ave. Some rides are on the road, others are off-road. For information contact Hutch's at 541.850.2453..
Cycling Events
Crater Lake National Park, Century Ride (Aug. 16, 2008)
Information: 541/594-2211
This very popular event takes place in August each year. Event participants register for either the Century Ride (100 miles), or the Metric Century Ride (62 miles). Century riders will climb more than 7,000 ft. while enjoying the breathtaking views from Rim Drive around the Crater Lake Caldera. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the 7th deepest in the world. It is located in the northern part of Klamath Country and was chosen as the site of the century ride because few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers as Crater Lake does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described in superlatives. Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago. Even seasoned travelers gasp at the twenty-mile circle of cliffs, tinted in subtle shades and fringed with hemlock, fir, and pine: all this in a lake of indescribable blue.
Bicycle Road Routes
Klamath Falls Bicycle Routes
Information: Travel Klamath Visitor Center, 800/445-6728
Upper Klamath Lake
Information: Travel Klamath Visitor Center, 800/445-6728
Oregon's largest body of fresh water. With one major hill, the 85-mile route can be a tough one day ride, or a pleasant two-day jaunt. Campgrounds along the scenic west side of Upper Klamath Lake offer convenient stopping points.
Vern Owens Bicycle Trail
Information: Travel Klamath Visitor Center, 800/445-6728
Bicyclists of all abilities ride paved segments of the Vern Owens Bicycle Trail from Oregon Institute of Technology to South Sixth Street and past Mazama High School.
OC&E Woods Line State Trail
Information: Travel Klamath Visitor Center, 800/445-6728
Oregon's longest linear park. This 100-mile trail is built on the old railbed of the Oregon, California, and Eastern Railroad. The trail is open to all non-motorized recreation beginning in the heart of Klamath Falls and extending east to Bly and north to the Sycan Marsh. The first 7.1 miles are paved, the remaining 88 miles of trail are less improved but still a great ride. Beautiful scenery abounds, with majestic Mt. Shasta rising to the south, farmland, juniper, sagebrush, timberlands, Lost River, Merritt Creek Trestle. Camping is not allowed along the trail, except where designated. One such campground is at Switchback Trailhead (mile 32.5).
Lake of the Woods
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
A 9-mile route begins in the Great Meadow Snow Parking Lot and circles Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake. A more challenging 25-mile route follows Hwy 140, Forest Service Road 37, and Dead Indian Memorial Rd. A few hills and old growth timber make the route a scenic jewel. Camping, refreshments and food are available at Lake of the Woods Resort and Fish Lake Resort.
Fort Klamath Loop and Westside Loop
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
30 miles from Klamath Falls, you will enjoy pastoral scenery and gentle terrain, wildflowers, songbirds, and raptors. A 10-mile loop follows Weed Rd., Sevenmile Rd., Hackler Rd., and Nicholson Rd. For a longer ride take the Westide Rd to see stunning views of Klamath Lake and marshes.
Clover Creek Road
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
Take this newly paved 22-mile route offering sweeping views of the southern Oregon Cascades. The route takes you from the intersection of Clover Creek Rd and Dead Indian Memorial Road. Downhill almost all the way to Keno if you begin at Dead Indian Memorial Road intersection.
Crystal Springs Park Loop
Information: Travel Klamath Center, 800/445-6728
This route passes by quiet country homes, fields of grain, alfalfa, potatoes and sugar beets. The 14-mile route follows Reeder Road, Short Rd., Hwy 39, Airway Rd, Homedale Rd., Old Midland Highway, and Hill Rd. Fighter jets from Klamath Falls' Air National Guard base often put on an impressive show in this area.
Century Ride
Mountain Biking
High Lakes Trail
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
Crescent Lake Junction
Information: Crescent Ranger District, 541/433-2234
Take Hwy 97 N from Chemult, Oregon 7 miles to Hwy 58, then 15 miles to Crescent Lake Junction. Bike left on Road 60 around Crescent Lake to Summit, Meek and Windy Lake trails.
Corral Springs Campground
Information: Chemult Ranger District, 541/365-7001
From Chemult, Oregon go north 2 1/4 miles to Forest Service Rd 9774. Travel West 2 miles to Corral Springs.
Scott Creek Campground
Information: Chemult Ranger District, 541/365-7001
Biking maps are available at the visitor center.
