Klamath County is the home of the deepest lake in the United States, as well as Oregon’s only National Park, Crater Lake. This breathtaking area is a favorite destination for people worldwide. The beauty of Crater Lake, from its unbelievably blue waters to its many hiking trails and waterfalls, has been lauded by authors and nature lovers for generations. In recent years, Crater Lake National Park has been “discovered” by cyclists looking to enjoy what we like to call ‘Oregon Unexpected’ from a more personal point of view than from a vehicle.
What might not be known about Klamath County is that we are widely known as a Birders Paradise. Bald eagles are just one of the many attractions for bird watchers and they are plentiful, especially near Upper Klamath Lake, the Klamath Basin Complex of National Wildlife Refuges, Agency Lake, Lake of the Woods, and downtown Klamath Falls. Frequently a large number of eagles can be viewed right from the parking lot of the county Welcome Center at 205 Riverside Drive. Visit www.fws.gov and search for ‘Klamath Basin’ for current information on which birds are in the area.
Prehistoric looking pelicans, cormorants, grebes, and hundreds of other species can be enjoyed throughout the county. The extra bonus is that with nearly 6,200 square miles of space, Klamath is the perfect place to find a spot that is all your own. Birding isn’t the only activity, by far! Fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, geocaching, water sports and more are all enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
For those bird lovers looking for group or guided activities, the annual Winter Wings Festival is a popular attraction. The festival has grown and developed over nearly four decades and celebrates all things avian in the Klamath Basin. The festival is held each year over President’s Day Weekend in February. Volunteers who love bird watching, photography, ecology and more gather together for several days of awe and education. To learn more about the festival, visit www.WinterWingsFest.org
Those of us who are lucky enough to live in this vast, quiet, beautiful corner of the world may be tempted to become somewhat numb to all that Klamath has to offer, but the fact is that the majestic bald eagle is a rare sight for most of the United States, as well as the rest of the world. How many people get to wake up and see a handful of these awesome raptors on their way to work or school or the grocery store? We are so lucky to be surrounded by a wealth and variety of natural wonders, and we would like to invite you to visit, experience and explore what we call ‘Oregon Unexpected.’ For more information visit www.DiscoverKlamath.com
