Hiking
Trails for beginning hikers to seasoned backpackers are plentiful in Klamath Country. Easy day hikes close to Klamath Falls include the Link River Trail, Ewauna Trail and routes in Moore Park while possibilities at Crater Lake National Park include the Godfrey Glen Nature Trail and Castle Crest Wildflower Garden. Longer, more challenging day hikes include several in the Sky Lakes, Mountain Lakes and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas, such as the Heavenly Twins loop hike in Sky Lakes, Eb and Zeb lakes in Mountain Lakes and Blue Lake trail in the Gearhart. Crater Lake offers the Annie Creek Canyon, The Watchman and Cleetwood Cove trails. For the more adventurous, try hiking to the summits of Mount Scott in Crater Lake or Mount McLoughlin in Sky Lakes. Backpackers can overnight or on extended outings in the three wilderness areas, or segments of the Pacific Crest Trail, which enters Klamath County near the Lake of the Woods, travels through Sky Lakes, parallels the rim of Crater Lake and continues north to Crescent and Odell lakes in northern Klamath County. For information on trails in the Fremont-Winema National Forests, Crater Lake National Park and elsewhere click on the “hiking” link atop the page.
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Want a quick sample of some possibilities? Keep scrolling.
Moore Park Nature Trail
Facts:
Difficulty: Easy
Traffic: Heavy
Length: Almost 2 miles
Lowest Elevation: 4,150 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,340 feet
Managed By: City of Klamath Falls
USGS Map: Klamath Falls
Access:
From downtown Klamath Falls, head north on 10th Street until it turns to Oregon Avenue. Follow Oregon Avenue for about 1.5 miles, over the Link River, to Moore Park. The parking lots will be on your left shortly after entering the park. Cross the road to reach the trailhead. Look for interpretive trail signs at the trailhead and along the trail. This trail will connect with the Euloana trail. Dog walking has recently been allowed in the park. Please keep dogs on a leash and use the dogipot receptacles located throughout the park for waste. Call (541) 883-4102 for reservations.
Eulolana Trail
Facts:
Difficulty: Easy
Traffic: Heavy
Length: 2 miles
Lowest Elevation: 4,300 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,380 feet
Managed By: City of Klamath Falls
USGS Map: Klamath Falls
Access:
From downtown Klamath Falls, follow Main Street across the Link River. Turn right onto West Main after crossing the river and follow it until it veers right and turns to North Carroll. Follow Cypress for about 200 yards and turn right onto the trailhead parking lot. This trail connects with the Moore Park Nature Trail, which offers picnic areas and restrooms. Call (541) 883-4102 for reservations.
Varney Creek
Facts:
Difficulty: Moderate
Traffic: Heavy
Length: 8.5 miles round trip
Lowest Elevation: 5,500 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,700 feet
Managed By: U.S. Forest Service
USGS Map: Pelican Bay
Access:
From Klamath falls, travel 21 miles west on Hwy 140. Look for a large brown sign (just after milepost 48) to the Varney Creek Trailhead and turn left onto Road 3637. Stay on the gravel road for about 2 miles and turn left on Road 3664. Road 3664 ends at the trailhead another 2 miles down the road. A large parking area with ample room for turn-around is provided.
Caving
Hard-core spelunkers and people wanting to experience the underground world for the first time can find it all at Lava Beds National Monument, which has more than 600 caves that meander a combined distance of more than 28 miles. Flashlights to borrow and advice to remember are available at the park visitor center. Many people start at Mushpot, the only lighted cave. Several of the easier caves are located off the Cave Loop Road while favorites for people with some experience include Valentine, Merrill and Skull caves. People seeking greater challenges should discuss possibilities with park rangers. All cavers should have sturdy shoes or boots, dress in layers and carry back-up lights. Hard-hats are also recommended. Check in at park headquarters for seasonal cave adventures, including reservation-only trips to Fern and Crystal caves and ranger-led cave walks during the summer. For information visit the Lava Beds Web site.
