Want lakeside scenery, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures? Head to Klamath Falls! Tucked in Southern Oregon near the California border, this high-desert gem offers mountain views, birding havens, and easy access to Crater Lake. Whether you're kayaking, hiking, or soaking in geothermal springs, Klamath Falls is a four-season nature escape.
Klamath Falls, OR Highlights:
- Visit Crater Lake National Park: Just over an hour away, see America’s deepest lake and hike rim trails with epic views.
- Birdwatch along the Klamath Basin: Spot bald eagles, pelicans, and migrating flocks at this world-renowned birding area.
- Bike the OC&E Woods Line State Trail: Oregon’s longest linear park, stretching 100 miles through forest and farmland.
- Soak in Crystal Springs or Green Springs Inn: Relax in natural hot springs nestled in nearby woodlands.
- Walk downtown Klamath Falls: Browse galleries, vintage shops, and cafés in a laid-back small-town atmosphere.
When I like to visit Klamath Falls, OR
The best time to visit is late spring through fall (May to October) for hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Winter is great for snowshoeing and skiing nearby. Autumn offers fall colors and the peak of bird migration.
Tips for getting to Klamath Falls, OR
- By Car: Located along US Route 97, Klamath Falls is about 1 hour from Medford and 2.5 hours from Redding, CA.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Coast Starlight stops in Klamath Falls, connecting to Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
- By Air: Crater Lake–Klamath Regional Airport offers limited flights; Medford Airport (MFR) is the nearest major airport (1.5 hrs).
Where I like to stay in Klamath Falls, OR
- Running Y Resort – Upscale lakeside resort with golf, a spa, and views of the Cascade Mountains.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Convenient and comfortable with easy access to downtown and nature spots.
- Vintage Airbnbs or B&Bs – Historic homes near the lakefront and downtown for a cozy, local feel.
Best Things to Do in Klamath Falls, OR
1. Relax, Play, and Explore at Moore Park
Moore Park is the largest city park in Klamath Falls with over 450 acres of nature-loving fun. Located on the northernmost point of Upper Klamath Lake, Moore Park is abundant with Junipers and dense pine forests where you’ll find rugged trails for avid hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Bird watchers will find a plethora of species both large and small. From the great bald eagle to the variety of warblers in the spring, Moore Park is filled with wildlife. In addition to exploring the towering treescape, Moore Park offers sports fans soccer fields, tennis, and volleyball courts and playgrounds. The picnic areas have barbeque pits and plenty of tables making it a great place for family gatherings.
740 Lakeshore Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, Phone: 541-883-5351
2. If You Love Native American and Western Art, Visit the Favell Museum
The Favell Museum showcases 12,000-year-old Native American artifacts and houses a collection of contemporary Western Art. The museum’s displays include tools, weapons, and personal items such as clothing and baskets used by both North and South American tribes. This extensive accumulation of Native American antiquities and history represents the different cultures from the mid-west to the Pacific and stretching from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Peru. The Favell Museum also displays a selection of original paintings by famous western artists including The Scouts by Charles M. Russell. In October, the Favell Museum hosts its annual fundraising art sale featuring over 30 artists throughout the west.
125 W. Main St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601, Phone: 541-882-9996
3. Step Back in Time at the Baldwin Hotel Museum
The Baldwin Hotel Museum, built by George Baldwin in 1905, originally served as a hardware store. In 1911 George learned the railroad was coming and converted his store into a hotel. He designed the hotel with nearly all the rooms connected to one another making it possible for people to rent a single room or an entire floor to suit their needs. The Baldwin Hotel was Klamath Falls’ first building to offer indoor plumbing. After passing through several owners’ hands, The Baldwin Hotel had fallen into financial trouble and in desperate need of repairs, closing its doors in 1971. Saved from demolition, it now serves as a museum of the life and times of early Klamath Falls.
31 Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, Phone: 541-882-1000
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
4. Walk, Run, and Take in Scenic Views on the Link River Trail
Link River Trail is a mile-and-a-half long gravel trail located in Link River Canyon that lies parallel to the Link Rive. Link River Trail functions as a service road and begins at the Upper Klamath Lake then travels down toward the Klamath River. This area is filled with lush vegetation of varying plants that attract a multitude of birds. The Link River Trail is an ideal location for birdwatching because of its perfect environment that provides food, water, shelter, and nesting needs of a variety of water-fowl. This popular walking and biking trail offers beautiful scenery all year long.
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Bike or Hike the Historic OC and E Woods Line State Trail
OC and E Woods Line State Trail is a 105-mile walking and biking path and is known as Oregon’s longest state park. The paved portion of the trail runs from Klamath Falls to the town of Olene and then becomes a more rugged path popular with mountain bike riders, hikers, and horseback riders. This historic trail connects eight communities and offers points of interest along the way. OC and E Woods Line State Trail teaches about the days of the railroad and has historic structures like a steel bridge constructed in 1898. Along the trail there is a restored caboose, the last train car to ride the rails on its way to Klamath Falls.
6. Reconnect with Nature at Wood River Wetland
Wood River Wetland is located on the north side of Agency Lake which lies directly north of Upper Klamath Lake. This opulent wetland is flooded with migratory birds and other waterfowl native to Oregon. Wood River Wetland provides breathtaking views of the Klamath Mountains along its walking trail. The wetland is a popular spot for catching trout and for hunting the various waterfowl in the area. Hiking, canoeing, and picnicking are just a few activities available at Wood River Wetland. This 3200-acre wetland provides access to the Wood River and has been maintained by the Bureau of Land Management since 1994 to preserve and improve the quality of life for the fish and fowl.
Phone: 541-947-2177
7. Grab a Slice and a Brew at Mia and Pia’s Pizzaria and Brewhouse
For a casual meal, head toMia and Pia’s Pizzaria and Brewhouse , a family-friendly restaurant offering pub-style appetizers, crisp colorful salads, hand made pizzas, delicious pasta, juicy burgers and a selection of delicious sandwiches. The micro-brew crafts several types of beers using only the finest ingredients that are sure to please any palate. Mia and Pia’s Pizzaria and Brewhouse can host large events on their spacious patio or if the weather is troublesome the indoor party room can accommodate any engagement. Entertainment available includes arcade games for the kids, a big screen tv, and Oregon State lottery gameplay. What once began as a small dairy farm is now Klamath Falls’s finest pizza and microbrewery.
3545 Summers Lane, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, Phone: 541-884-4880 or 541-884-0949
8. If You’re Craving a Rustic Getaway, Stay at Lake of the Woods Mountain Lodge and Resort
Lake of the Woods Mountain Lodge and Resort is located on the clearest natural lake of the Southern Oregon Cascades. You can book a cabin or pull up an RV and relish in the joys of nature. Life on the lake means an abundance of boating, fishing, and even scuba diving thanks to the variety of boats available for rent. The marina carries everything needed for a fun-filled day in the sun. The Marina Pizza Parlor has on-site dining and carryout and the general store stocks all the food and wares essential for camping. The new lakeside gazebo is a picturesque location for weddings, parties, and special events.
950 Harriman Route Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601, Phone: 541-949-8300 or 866-201-4194
More Places to Eat in Klamath Falls, OR
- Ruddy Duck at Running Y – Farm-to-table Northwest cuisine with mountain views.
- Rooster’s Steak & Chop House – Locally loved for hearty American fare and casual vibe.
- Green Blade Bakery – Local bakery known for artisan breads, pastries, and great coffee.
My favorite local events:
- Snowflake Festival (December) – Holiday parades, tree lighting, and family fun all season long.
- Klamath County Fair (August) – Carnival rides, rodeo events, and agricultural exhibits.
- Winter Wings Festival (February) – One of the oldest birding festivals in the U.S., celebrating eagles and migratory birds.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes to 2 Hours of Klamath Falls, OR:
- Crater Lake National Park (1.25 hrs) – See Oregon’s only national park and its stunning caldera lake.
- Lake of the Woods (45 min) – Kayak, fish, or relax in this forested alpine getaway.
- Ashland (1.5 hrs) – Home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, fine dining, and a charming downtown.
- Fort Klamath Museum (1 hr) – Learn about frontier life and the Modoc War in this small but informative site.
- Medford and Rogue Valley Wine Country (2 hrs) – Enjoy tastings, orchards, and artisan food trails.
Plan Your Trip