Klamath Falls Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Klamath Falls

Nestled in the southern region of Oregon, Klamath Falls is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Surrounded by Cascade Mountains, Klamath Lake, and national forests, the city is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and bikers. It’s also an ideal destination for history buffs and those interested in Native American culture. If you’re planning a visit to Klamath Falls, read on to discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Klamath Falls

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Favell Museum

The Favell Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs. The museum features over 100,000 artifacts from Native American tribes, pioneers, and wildlife artists. You can also see the works of celebrated artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Klamath County Museum

The Klamath County Museum showcases the history of the Klamath Basin area. You can explore the exhibits featuring Native American heritage, early pioneers, and local geography. The museum also has a collection of antique cars and a working sawmill.

Natural Attractions of Klamath Falls: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is a stunning natural wonder located about an hour’s drive from Klamath Falls. The park is known for its crystal-clear, blue lake created by a collapsed volcano. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and snowshoeing with the park’s scenic trails and activities.

Lava Beds National Monument

The Lava Beds National Monument is a geological wonder featuring lava formations and caves. The monument offers caving opportunities, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more. One of the must-visit spots in the monument is the Merrill Cave, which boasts beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Klamath Falls

OC&E Woods Line State Trail

The OC&E Woods Line State Trail offers a 105-mile trail that winds through Klamath Falls’ thick forests, verdant meadows, and picturesque landscapes. The trail was once a railroad line, but now it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also engage in bird-watching and fishing along the railroad’s right-of-way.

Moore Park Trail

Moore Park Trail is a hiking and biking trail, which expands over three miles, offering stunning views of Klamath Lake. Along the way, visitors can stop at several picnic areas and beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear lake.

Best Things to Do in Klamath Falls: Activities and Tours

Hellgate Jet Boat Tours

Take a ride on the Hellgate Jet Boat Tours and experience stunning views of the Rogue River and its wildlife. You’ll pass Hellgate Canyon, where the river narrows and deepens, and see the historic Rogue River Ranch and more.

OC&E Woods Line State Trail

In addition to the hiking and biking opportunities, the OC&E Woods Line State Trail also offers scenic horseback riding tours for those who want to explore the trail in a unique way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Klamath Falls

Day 1 – Visit the Klamath County Museum Day 2 – Visit the Klamath Falls Farmers’ Market and Downtown Klamath Falls Day 3 – Explore Moore Park Trail, have a picnic by the lake Day 4 – Take a day trip to Crater Lake National Park Day 5 – Hellgate Jet Boat Tours Day 6 – Hike the OC&E Woods Line State Trail Day 7 – Lava Beds National Monument

Food and Drink Scene of Klamath Falls

Must-Try Dishes

Oregon-Made Wine

Klamath Falls is the perfect location for discovering Oregon-made wines. You can tour nearby wineries like Running Y Ranch, which offers some of the best wines in the region.

Wild Pacific Salmon

Salmon from the Pacific ocean is a local cuisine staple and is used in many ways, including spicy salmon rolls and soy-marinated smoked salmon.

Local Beverages

Klamath Basin Brewing

Located in the historic Crater Lake Creamery building, the Klamath Basin Brewing features some of the best brews on tap, including a flavor crafted locally called “The Spring Creek Porter”.

Gathering Grounds Cafe

Gathering Grounds Cafe serves locally-sourced coffee blends and freshly brewed drinks, including chai tea and hot chocolate.

Where to Stay in Klamath Falls: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Running Y Ranch Resort

Situated between the Cascade Mountains and Klamath Lake, the Running Y Ranch Resort offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and access to the 18-hole golf course.

Maverick Motel

For visitors on a budget, Maverick Motel is the ideal choice. Located in downtown Klamath Falls, the motel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

What to Buy in Klamath Falls: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Native American Art

Klamath Falls is steeped in Native American culture, and visitors can purchase authentic artwork depicting traditional symbols and heritage. You can visit the Favell Museum’s gift shop for a wide selection of Native American crafts.

Oregon Made Wine

Oregon-made wine is an ideal souvenir to bring home from Klamath Falls. Visit Running Y Ranch, Crater Lake Cellars, and other nearby wineries to find a perfect bottle.

Local Culture and Customs of Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls has a rich heritage, and visitors should respect local culture during their visit. Visitors should be aware of traditional practices and customs when participating in Native American festivals, and respecting the standard of dress and conduct specified for events.

Best Time to Visit Klamath Falls

The best time to visit Klamath Falls is between summer and early fall, when the weather is mild, and parks and outdoor attractions are open to visitors. Crater Lake National Park is only open between late May and early November, and it’s a must-visit spot in the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Klamath Falls

Do:

  • Explore Klamath Falls’ beauty and outdoor opportunities
  • Engage yourself in traditional Native American festivities
  • Find time to enjoy water activities like paddleboarding, swimming, and boating

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and practices
  • Littering or damaging natural and cultural resources
  • Entering into restricted areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls is generally safe for visitors and residents, and it’s advisable to take the standard precautions you would in any other city, such as securing your valuables and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Klamath Falls

Visitors should be aware of the high elevation and take sufficient time to acclimate to it, particularly when coming from lower altitudes. When hiking or engaging in outdoor activities, stay well-hydrated and keep a lookout for potential dangers such as wildlife and rough terrain.

Getting to Klamath Falls: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Klamath Falls

The Klamath Falls Airport is a small airport that offers daily services with Boutique Air. Other nearby airports include Medford and United Airlines’ Eugene Airport, which are both under 2.5 hours’ drive away.

Bus Stations Near Klamath Falls

Greyhound Bus services connect Klamath Falls with other cities in Oregon, including Medford and Bend.

Other Options

For those who prefer to self-drive, Klamath Falls is easily accessible via the Interstate 5. Visitors can also ride the Amtrak Coast Starlight train, which stops in Klamath Falls.

How to Get Around in Klamath Falls

The CityLink transit system offers a bus service that connects Klamath Falls and its neighboring towns. For visitors who prefer walking, downtown Klamath Falls is a walkable area that can be explored on foot.

Where to Go Next from Klamath Falls: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can add many nearby exciting excursions to their Klamath Falls trip, including visiting Ashland, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, or journeying to Bend, a popular outdoor recreation destination located in central Oregon.

Conclusion

Klamath Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Native American history. From exploring historic museums and natural parks to hiking and biking trails, visitors can enjoy an exciting and memorable visit. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip with ease and make the most of your time in Klamath Falls.

The Klamath Falls Amtrak station The Klamath Falls Amtrak station Klamath County Museum Klamath County Museum Baldwin Hotel Museum Baldwin Hotel Museum