Adds above this line are not subject to my control.
Klamath Falls Hikes
This page is going to include links to maps, photos, directions, and info on hiking, biking, canoeing and
other outdoor opportunities in the Klamath Falls, Oregon and the surrounding area.
My goal is to catalog trails and get more people out into this beautiful area.
I also plan to develop interest in conservation efforts and expanding trail
maintenance programs.
Additional info on birds, trees, geology, flora, and fauna will also be included. If you would like to support this effort in any way please let me know.
Link River Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Time: 1.5 hrs. (approximate for round trip)
Highlights: The Link River is a lovely backdrop for this rexlaxing walk. An abundance of birds converge at
both trailheads. Ducks, geese and swans are plentiful, and seasonal migrations bring lots of other interesting birds.
With the river on one side the trail, the other is flanked by hillside covered in low growing shrubs,
junipers, and an occasional pine. The scenery gives a good taste of the high desert flora of the area.
Marion berries are plentiful along the trail in fall. The north end
offers views of Upper Klamath Lake, the largest lake in Oregon.
Description: The gravel trail is straight, wide and mostly firm except after rain or snow. Trail follows
along the west bank of the Link River for 1.5 miles. From either parking area follow the clearly marked trail along
the river and enjoy the high desert flora, birds and water views. Walking
south the trail ascends slightly past a dam and then
descends gradually over a wooden bridge.
The bridge spans a canal which the trail then follows eventually crossing an outflow of water from
the power station, situated near the south trailhead. Trail ends at south trailhead. Return via
same trail.
Trailhead: Two trailheads from either end of the trail. If starting at the south
end (near downtown Klamath Falls), park in the far lot next to the Favell Museum at the end of Main Street just after
crossing under route 97. The entrance is next to a Pacific Power station (look for clearly
marked signs and entrance). North end of trail is located off LakeShore Drive/Nevada Avenue across from the Pelican
Marina and a small park at the bottom of Upper Klamath Lake.
Directions: Trail is situated along the west bank of the Link River, which connects Upper Klamath Lake with
Lake Ewauna. The southern trailhead is located on your right approx 0.25 miles from
downtown Klamath Falls at the end of Main Street past the highway underpass and entrances for 97 North and South.
Coming from the South the northern trailhead is located on Lake Shore Dr./Nevada
Avenue on your left after the bridge spanning the Link River. From the North the entrance is on your right after the
entrance for Moore Park.
Notes: Bird viewing especially at the north end is usually outstanding.
Bring a pair of binoculars or just enjoy the views form afar. There are side trails up the hillside that can also
be explored.
Moore Park at the north end is a nice area to explore and also contains hiking trails, tennis courts and is a popular mountain bikingdestination.
There is also a ranger station
near the north end providing lots of info on Oregon and its abundant state parks.
The Favell Museum at the South end contains a rich and eclectic range of Western art work, many by local artists,
and Indian
artifacts.
Mt. Short
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 2.5 hrs. (approximate for round trip)
Highlights: There is no established trail. "Bushwack" over volcanic sediment,
rock and scrub. Many rabbit and deer signs and birds (including Chuckers).
Interesting Rock formations. Great views. Lot of Lichens. Exposed to sun so can be
hiked in dry winter or early summer. (Can be muddy).
Description: From parking area continue straight along trail which will become
less clear and continue up hillside. Can be soft and muddy if recent rain. Cutting
back along animal trails rather than trying to go straight up makes the ascent easier.
Try to stay on rocks or dirt to minimize erosion and plant destruction. You will cross
a few steeper rocky/cliff bands. There are many spots to make ascent that are not too
difficult though some use of hands will likely be required. Be especially careful of
loose rocks! Spread out and ascend these parts one at a time. After the second or
third cliff band near top, the ascent becomes more gradual. Once on ridge line there
are summits to left and right. Main summit is on right and provides great views over
the Klamath Valley and all the way across to Mt. Shasta.
Trailhead: Parking roadside on Left, parking area now block by boulders. Used by locals for target shooting, be courteous
and please help pick up debris!
Directions: Take 97 South from Klamath Falls.
Continue to Midland past Cafe and Old Midland Rd.
Turn Left onto Cross Rd.
Right onto Lower Klamath Lk. Rd.
Mountain is on left and there is a small parking area marked with boulders.
Mt. Olene
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Hiking Time: 3 hrs. (approximate for round trip)
Highlights: 5174 ft. Markers on summit. Many rabbit and deer signs and small birds.
Great 360 degree views. Lots of mosses and lichens. Exposed to sun and can be hiked in dry winter or early summer.
Description:From parking area ascend hillside on left. Cross a couple
cattleguard wires. There is no established trail but volcanic
rock and grasses and moderate incline are no problem. About 45 minutes to ridgeline
top. Follow ridgeline left through scrub and small junipers and after going down and
up moderate inclines you will be atop Olene (20-30minutes). There are two markers
(including a 1933 Geological Survey marker)
and some rock piles and cruciform wood structures. Views span across to other small
mountains and all the way across the Klamath Valley, to Mt. Stukel (note 4 radio
towers), Lost River and the Poe Valley.
Trailhead: Park after Cattle Gate along road. The trailhead and parking area are
popular areas for riding and target shooting.
Directions: Nine Miles from Klamath Falls. Take South Sixth St. south to 140
(follow signs).
Go east on 140 (toward Bonanza and Lake View).
Turn right onto bridge (South Poe Valley Rd.) after Olene store.
Right after bridge onto Crystal Springs Rd.
Left onto Hidden Valley Rd. (dirt/gravel). (You went too far if road curves right
back across plains away from hills.
Follow dirt road through gate and park anywhere along clearing on side.
Other Notes: Along lost river behind Mt. Olene there are several ox-bow Lakes.
These
are U-shaped lakes (reminiscent of the yoke used on the collar of an ox) formed when
the curves along a river are cut off and the stream returns to a straight
course. The Olene Hot Spring can be found along 140 directly across from bridge to South Poe
Valley Rd. There is a small pulloff/parking area. The searing hot water emerges from a spout above concrete ruins.
Link River Hills Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 2 hrs. (approximate for round trip)
Highlights: Great views overlooking the Link River, hills behind Link River,
neighborhoods north of
town and Upper Klamath Lake.
Description: From gate there are two main trails. One stays high and one
stays lower and closer to Link River.
Either route is fine and the lack of trees and tall bushes makes for constant views
of the river and landmarks so you will always know where you are. Can be hiked as a
loop or
out on back on either or both of the trails. Both trails ascend gradually and then
descend next to the
dam at the start of the link river with some hills in between.
Trailhead: Park so you are not blocking gate.
Directions: From town proceed west on Main Street until you approach underpass.
Just before underpass make a right and cross under the highway onto Conger Street.
After a short drive make another right onto California Street. (Before Dead End Sign)
After another short distance turn left onto First Street past another Dead End sign and up
a hill that curves around to your right. The road ends at a gate and you can park on
the side.
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