Ahh, Klamath! The very home of Crater Lake. Half a hop from the Lava Beds National Monument.
Smack dab in the middle of the largest migratory bird route in the west, Native American and World War II sites that will really get you thinking. Raft on class IV whitewater or serenely drift on meandering rivers chock full of ravenous trout that practically leap into your boat.
Oh and centuries of stunning cycling and mountain biking. Hiking? Oh, yes there’s hiking. And did I mention Crater Lake? I did?
Well, there’s just so much to do here, you really need to get down here and see it for yourself.
Here are just a few of the highlights…
1. Crater Lake
The National Park Service has some great gems to share about Crater Lake..
“Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity: fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and perhaps the most pristine on earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.”
Just imagine…
- Exploring the park in snowshoes! In an average winter, Crater Lake National Park receives 43 feet of snow! Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are a fun way to explore this winter wonderland while learning how plants, animals, and people survive the harsh conditions.
- Bicycling among the trees with incredible breath taking views & fresh mountain air! Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile (53 km) Rim Drive. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road’s thirty overlooks and pull-outs. The payoff however is spectacular scenery, viewed at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for.
- Attend a Ranger Program! Discover the wonders of Crater Lake with those who know the park best. Talks, walks,
kids programs, boat tours, and trolley tours - Find the Phantom Ship! Anchored near the lake’s south shore is an island that seems to be sailing away. To see it, hike to Sun Notch or drive to the viewpoint named in its honor
- Photograph awe-inspiring landscapes and make all your family and friends jealous
- Star gaze the thousands and thousands of stars and take in the Milky Way in its grandeur
- Savor a romantic sunset on a hike with your loved one
2. Fishing on Many Rivers and Streams in Klamath County
If you check out ROE Outfitter’s website, you’ll see that there are so many fantastic fishing spots in the area…
- The Williamson River- redbanded rainbow trout
- The Wood River- redbanded rainbow trout and brown trout
- The Rogue River- steelhead, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout
- The Klamath River- rainbow trout
- Mountain Lakes- trout or kokanee
3. Lava Beds National Monument
The National Park Service also has some fantastic information about this national treasure.
“Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you! ….
Lava Beds National Monument sits on the north face of the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano. The lava tube caves found here were created by flows of smooth lava 10,500 to 65,000 years ago. As the lava flowed it began to cool and solidify on the top and sides. Once the eruption ceased, the tube emptied and drained, and a new lava tube cave is left behind. As the rock cooled, the inner surface of the tube cracked and collapsed, producing openings to the surface.”
So many places to explore and have adventures— make sure to bring your gear— flashlight, head gear, and good hiking boots!
- Discover the Mushpot Cave with exhibits (and the only lighted cave!)
- Explore the ‘least challenging’ caves of Sentinel, Valentine, and Skull (and at least 10 more!)
- Grab your cave maps, compass, kneepads, and gloves for the ‘moderately challenging’ caves of Golden Dome, Sunshine, Indian Wells, and Blue Grotto
- For the fearless (or those that want to conquer their fears), dive into the caves of Labyrinth, Lava Brook, Juniper, or Catacombs
Not only are there all these cool caves, there’s some really amazing history here.
The National Park Service tells us, “As one of the longest continually occupied areas in North America, the history and cultural legacy of the lava beds stretches back thousands of years. Explore the history early Native Americans left behind in rock art and at archeological sites, the conflict of the Modoc War, and the traditions and heritage of homesteaders, ranchers, cave explorers, “CCC boys,” and the modern Modoc and Klamath tribes.”
There are so many adventures awaiting you in Klamath County!
Check out our latest land deals in Oregon and figure out a piece of land that you OWN as your basecamp for all of these and MUCH more.
Questions?
Send me an e-mail at [email protected] or give us a call at 775-234-2058
