Klamath County, located in southern Oregon, is a great destination for those who enjoy hiking but want to escape from large crowds. This area is remote and offers serenity and authentic wilderness experiences. You can hike long distances without encountering another person.
Many hikers are now seeking out legendary hikes, top best-rated trails, and also the “wild” experience in Klamath County through the lush forests and wilderness.
Klamath County offers some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest with its beautiful volcanic terrain, stunning alpine lakes, and rugged mountain ridges, and offers many short scenic hikes to several multi-day wilderness adventures.
If you are looking for a nice short, scenic trail around town, or an outdoor adventure that will take you deeper into the wilderness, Klamath County has something for all hikers who don’t just want a great place to stop to take a photo.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Klamath County
The Pacific Crest Trail goes through a majority of Klamath County and comprises some of the most beautiful and least populated areas of the entire route. In this stretch of trail, the Pacific Crest Trail travels through Sky Lakes Wilderness, where it passes by silent mountain lakes, open meadows and long stretches of wooded ridges.
Thru-hiking is not required to enjoy this section of the trail; multiple hikers hike portions of the Pacific Crest Trail in a linear fashion, feeling connected to the wilderness experience.
As you hike on this portion of the trail, you will notice how different it appears from the previous section of the trail. The trail starts in the growth forest, then turns to volcanic soil, and finally opens up to panoramic vistas of the Klamath Basin. This section contains elevation gain, but can usually be completed with the experience and skill of a typical hiker.
As a result of the Pacific Crest Trail being in proximity to both Crater Lake and the Cascade Range, weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically. In addition, many Klamath region connecting trails are maintained through the collaborative efforts of Klamath Trails Alliance, allowing you to use those trails without overbuilding them.
Pacific Crest Trail Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Long-distance mountain trail |
| Terrain | Forest, meadows, volcanic ridges |
| Nearby Areas | Sky Lakes Wilderness, Crater Lake |
| Skill Level | Moderate to advanced |
| Best For | Section hikes, backpacking |
Sky Lakes Wilderness
The Pacific Crest Trail serves as the structural foundation for this area and is representative of its spirit (the area’s essence).
Sky Lakes Loop Hike
Sky Lakes Wilderness consists of over 113000 Acres and sits on top of Klamath Basin. This wilderness has beautiful alpine lakes, lush forests, and ridges formed by volcanoes within it. For those looking for a full adventure (wilderness experience) without having to be an experienced hiker; the Sky Lakes Loop Hike is one of the best hikes in Southern Oregon!
Sky Lakes Loop Hike Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 14.6 miles (loop) |
| Elevation Gain | 1,600 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best For | Experienced hikers, backpackers |
| Highlights | Multiple alpine lakes, solitude |
During this loop, your hike will lead you past Deer Lake, Trapper Lake, and other smaller lakes hidden in the trees. The trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, allowing you to continue your hiking experience beyond this hike while at the same time taking advantage of the abundant beauty of the surrounding land.
Wildlife can be seen frequently on this loop, while the birdwatching along the edges of both lakes is exceptional. The Klamath Trails Alliance has made it possible for these trails to stay open to the public and still maintain a true wilderness atmosphere.
Mountain Lakes Wilderness
Although Sky Lakes appear to be greater than Mountain Lakes Wilderness, Mountain Lakes Wilderness is compact, but also an enjoyable experience.
Mountain Lakes Loop Trail
Mountain Lakes Wilderness has been created from the remains of an ancient caldera and contains many small alpine lake areas surrounded by trees and mountains. The southern rim of the Mountain Lakes Loop Trail connects with interior mountain trail systems including Clover Creek and Varney Creek.
Mountain Lakes Loop Trail Overview
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8.2 miles (loop) |
| Terrain | Forest, lakes, volcanic rim |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best For | Day hikers, families |
| Access | Easy drive from Klamath Falls |
You will encounter some steady ground and moderate slope changes with regular intervals of lakes throughout this hike. There are plenty of spots for anglers to stop along the water’s edge, as well as plenty of serenity at the campsites for hikers. It’s one of the most frequently used Klamath trails because of easy access to Klamath Falls and the ability to get a full hike in without having to drive far.
Crater Lake National Park
Aside from Crater Lake National Park to the north of Klamath Falls, Klamath County has very few places with quality hiking. It is predominately known for its very steep and rugged terrain with many scenic vistas. The deep blue, clear waters of Crater Lake are the result of a volcanic eruption leaving behind a massive crater that has filled with snowmelt.
The views from the rim of this massive, beautiful body of water will leave you breathless and remain with you long after your hike.
Top Crater Lake Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 2.2 miles RT | Steep / Moderate | Only access to the lake shore |
| Mount Scott Trail | 4.4 miles RT | Challenging | The highest point in the park |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 2.0 miles RT | Easy | Waterfall, wildflowers |
| Garfield Peak Trail | 3.6 miles RT | Moderate | Panoramic lake views |
| Discovery Point Trail | 2.2 miles RT | Easy | Rim views, family-friendly |
From easy hikes to strenuous ascents with substantial vertical ascent, this selection of beneficial hiking trails offers an excellent representation of the variety of outdoor activities offered in and around Klamath County.
Tips for Hiking in Klamath County
Plan for Remote Trails
There are numerous hiking paths in Klamath County that take you far from civilization into the wilderness areas. Cell signal tends to be sporadic at best in the Sky Lakes Wilderness and Mountain Lakes regions. Download your map(s) prior to leaving home and inform a friend or family member of your intended route.
Allow yourself ample time to hike on less-travelled trails, as they tend to take longer than expected.
Watch the Weather Closely
The weather is unpredictable throughout the entire region. Even summer months can experience dramatic shifts in temperature, wind, rain and snow in the vicinity of Crater Lake and higher elevation areas. Dress appropriately for your hike, and bring a waterproof rain jacket, regardless of the length of your trek.
Respect Elevation and Skill Level
While it may seem like a relief to have easier steep routes along many mountain trail paths, many “easy” routes will have an incline with an elevation gain, so it is very important to assess your personal abilities. Be honest with yourself and know your physical fitness and outdoor experience level. You should take breaks often, stay hydrated, and turn back when appropriate.
You can start hiking near Klamath Falls and stay relatively close before heading out into the wilderness.
Be Wildlife Aware
When you encounter deer, birds, and other wildlife, be respectful and observe from a distance. There are great opportunities for bird watching throughout this area, but it is crucial to stay on established trails and protect the fragile ecosystems.
Leave No Trace
Hikers who show respect for these environments help to preserve these beautiful landscapes. It is imperative to carry out everything you bring into this area; however, you must stay on established trails as well. The choices you make today will help preserve the ability to keep the wilderness in Klamath County for future generations.
Why These Trails Matter Long Term
Hiking trails can often lead to new developments in an area. There is currently a lot of interest being generated around the locations surrounding Spence Mountain, Moore Mountain, Upper Klamath Lake, and Rocky Point Resort, and many people believe that these areas will only continue to grow.
The region will primarily remain a rural area with dirt roads, open space, and wilderness unimproved until outdoor recreation leads to the development of the area. Most hikers will not only visit Klamath County once; they come back and some have made the decision to invest and remain connected to the land long-term.
Final Thoughts
Southern Oregon has some great hiking trails located in Klamath County. These include the Pacific Crest Trail, the Mountain Lakes Wilderness, Crater Lake, as well as many other places that will provide a great hiking experience full of solitude, a wide variety of trails, and true wildness! You can spend time hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature without any crowds or noise at all!
You might be thinking that you want to acquire land close-by after trying out those trails. That’s right on target! Landopia has very affordable prices on rural land in Oregon and other states in the West, usually only one hour away from towns like Klamath Falls.
With Klamath Falls’ starting around $100 per month, owning land near your favorite hiking adventures is more realistic than you might think.
Explore available land today and secure your own piece of the wilderness while it’s still wide open.