Best attractions and places to see in Klamath County, Oregon, feature diverse natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The region is characterized by ancient volcanic formations, including the caldera of Mount Mazama, which formed Crater Lake. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor environments, from deep lakes to lava tube caves and extensive wetlands. Klamath County offers opportunities to engage with its rich past and natural beauty.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Hiking in Klamath County
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Each year, Crater Lake closes the park to cars for the Ride the Rim event. Best time to visit. So amazing.
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If you are only going to stop at one viewpoint at Crater Lake, this one is at the top of the list! The view of Wizard Island is one of the best you'll get.
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If you walk parallel to the Rim Drive along the crater, you will have fantastic views of the crater lake that are not as crowded as those at Rim Village.
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From the Watchman Overlook, you have a great view towards Wizard Island and Crater Lake itself. If you are willing to leave your bike for some minutes, this is also the starting point for the hike up to the Watchman, an old fire tower with a stunning panoramic view.
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The community of Crescent Lake was originally located along the Southern Pacific Railroad line, 2 miles (3.2 km) south southwest of present-day Crescent Lake Junction. The former site was built following the completion of a railroad section in 1923 (opened in 1926) called the Natron Cutoff in the Cascade Range. This section replaced the route through the Siskiyou Mountains for trains traveling between the Willamette Valley and California. The community of Crescent Lake was built to serve the steam trains that ran on the line until the 1950s and to maintain the tracks and signals over the adjacent section of the main line. Crescent Lake also served as a divisional meeting point where freight train operations were passed on to new crews. Trains traveling from Oregon to California were manned by crews from Eugene in the Willamette Valley up the "hill" to Crescent Lake, where Klamath Falls crews relieved them to continue the journey to Dunsmuir in Northern California. Crews running trains in the opposite direction were similarly relieved at Crescent Lake. Each of the relieved crews remained at Crescent Lake for a mandatory rest period, after which they relieved an arriving crew and returned to their respective home locations. The site included a train depot, a roundhouse, accommodation for resting train crews known as the "clubhouse", two general stores (one with a tavern), a restaurant, a one-room schoolhouse and a post office. The local railway staff consisted of a full section gang (supervisors), a signalman, an electrician, a station agent and shift operators, a train driver, a yard master and several other tradesmen. After World War II, the community began moving to its current location along Oregon Route 58, which had been completed a few years earlier in 1940. In 1958 the roundhouse was decommissioned and soon demolished and in 1970 a fire at the restaurant destroyed the remaining businesses on what is now known as Crescent Lake Highway. A few dilapidated homes remained occupied along Crescent Lake Highway into the 1990s. However, the local fire department intentionally destroyed what remained of the ghost town during a training exercise. All that remains of the former site is a water tower and a parking lot for winter recreation. The local post office was located in the "Odell Sportsman" general store, it was destroyed in a fire on January 23, 2009, but is now back in operation..
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The location was originally founded in 1924 as a station on the Southern Pacific Cascade Line named "Knott" during construction. The station's name was changed to Chemult when the line opened in 1926 and a post office was established in the same year. The name Chemult comes from a Klamath chief who was one of the 26 who signed the Klamath Lake Treaty of October 14, 1864. Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops daily in Chemult at the Chemult Amtrak station, and Pacific Crest Bus Lines stops daily at the station on its Klamath Falls to Bend route. There is also a Winema National Forest Ranger Station within the community. The area around Chemult is commonly used for hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog sled racing, fishing and hunting. Chemult also offers the annual Sled Dog Races, where mushers come to drive their sled dogs and compete for cash prizes.
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Is very easy to reach from all parking lots at Crater Lake. Toilets can be found in the gift shop and two adjacent houses. A house ensemble worth seeing with friendly staff in the shop and the bistro.
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Sky Lakes Wilderness is a wilderness area located in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, United States. It covers an area of approximately 116,300 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The region is characterized by its numerous lakes and streams, its alpine meadows and its dense forests of pines, firs and cedars. The terrain is rugged, with rocky ridges, deep valleys and steep canyons. The Sky Lakes Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fly fishing and hunting. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails in the area, offering scenic views of lakes, alpine peaks and forests. The region's lakes are also popular for swimming, boating and fishing. Wildlife in the area includes moose, black bears, elk, lynx, coyotes, mountain goats, bald eagles and mule deer. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, and bull trout in area lakes and streams.
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Klamath County is rich in natural wonders. You must visit Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the continental US, known for its intense blue color. Other significant natural features include Lava Beds National Monument with its extensive lava tube caves, and Upper Klamath Lake, a prime spot for birdwatching and boating.
Yes, Klamath County offers diverse hiking trails. Within Crater Lake National Park, you can hike to Watchman Overlook for panoramic views or tackle the Mount Scott Trail, which offers a 4.3-mile round trip with significant elevation gain. For more options, explore the trails in the Sky Lakes Wilderness Area or along the Link River Trail. You can find detailed hiking routes in the Waterfall hikes in Klamath County guide.
Klamath County has a rich history. Visit the Klamath County Museum for local history, the Favell Museum for an extensive collection of Western artifacts and Native American art, or the Baldwin Hotel Museum for a glimpse into early 20th-century life. The Fort Klamath Museum and Collier Memorial State Park and Logging Museum also offer insights into the region's past.
Families will find plenty to do! The Rim Village at Crater Lake National Park is family-friendly with facilities and easy views. The Children's Museum of Klamath Falls offers hands-on exhibits. For outdoor adventures, consider the OC&E Woods Line State Trail for cycling, or the Crater Lake Zipline for an exhilarating experience.
The best time to visit largely depends on your interests. Summer (June to September) is ideal for exploring Crater Lake National Park and its trails, as the Rim Drive is fully open. Fall offers beautiful foliage and pleasant hiking weather. Spring brings migratory birds to Upper Klamath Lake, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports, though some roads and facilities, especially at Crater Lake, may be closed.
Absolutely! Klamath County is great for cycling. A popular option is the Rim Drive loop around Crater Lake National Park, offering stunning views. The OC&E Woods Line State Trail provides a scenic, mostly flat route for both cycling and hiking. You can find more detailed routes in the Cycling in Klamath County guide.
Klamath County is a premier destination for birdwatching. Upper Klamath Lake and the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge are renowned for their diverse bird populations, including the largest wintering population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. The Link River Trail and Wood River Wetlands also offer excellent opportunities to spot various bird species.
Yes, some areas in Klamath County are wheelchair-accessible. Running Y Ranch Resort and Crescent Lake Junction are noted as accessible. The OC&E Woods Line State Trail has paved sections, making it suitable for wheelchairs. Always check specific attraction websites for the most current accessibility information.
Klamath County is home to abundant wildlife. Beyond the numerous bird species, including Bald Eagles, you might spot deer, elk, and various small mammals in areas like the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and the Wood River Wetlands. Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
For Crater Lake National Park, standard entrance fees apply. If you plan to camp in the backcountry, you will need to obtain an extra backcountry permit. For other attractions like Lava Beds National Monument, entrance fees may also be required. It's always best to check the official website of each specific attraction for current permit and fee information.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails in Klamath County. Spence Mountain offers a popular loop trail, and there are challenging routes like the Pumice Castle Overlook – Phantom Ship Overlook loop near Crater Lake. For more options, refer to the MTB Trails in Klamath County guide.
At Rim Village in Crater Lake National Park, you'll find a visitor center, restrooms, and a cafe. Chemult and Running Y Ranch Resort also offer various facilities. In Klamath Falls, downtown areas provide numerous cafes and restaurants. Always plan ahead, especially when visiting more remote natural areas, as amenities can be sparse.
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the intense blue of Crater Lake National Park and the panoramic views from spots like Watchman Overlook. The unique volcanic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the opportunity for diverse outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are also highly appreciated.


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