With more than 300 days of sunshine Klamath County in Oregon is a bicyclist’s paradise. Cycle over pine covered hills or gentle mountain valleys, through a wildlife refuge, past countryside farms and ranches, or ride the rim of Crater Lake.
Don’t have a bike? Inquire at Hutch’s Bicycles for rentals. Don’t forget to carry a camera, and remember to follow the rules of the road. Oregon & California state law requires minors to wear helmets when riding bicycles.
Here are descriptions of a few of Klamath County’s popular cycling trails:
Lake Ewauna Trail
Connecting more than 150 miles of trail, the Lake Ewauna Trail winds around Lake Ewauna, in downtown Klamath Falls. Slated to connect to the OC&E Woods Line State Trail, it will also connect Klamath Falls residents to the Running Y Ranch Resort, and Crater Lake National Park, among other areas. This project is funded through the Oregon Lottery, Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Transportation’s Flexible Funds Program.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
OC&E WOODS LINE STATE TRAIL
Oregon’s longest linear park. This 100-mile trail is built on the old railbed of the Oregon, California, and Eastern Railroad. The trail is open to all non-motorized recreation beginning in the heart of Klamath Falls and extending east to Bly and north to the Sycan Marsh. The first 7.1 miles are paved, the remaining 88 miles of trail are less improved but still a great ride. Beautiful scenery abounds, with majestic Mt. Shasta rising to the south, farmland, juniper, sagebrush, timberlands, Lost River, Merritt Creek Trestle. Camping is not allowed along the trail, except where designated. One such campground is at Switchback Trailhead (mile 32.5).
HIGH LAKES TRAIL
From Klamath Falls, 33 mi. on Hwy 140 W to Lake of the Woods.
Trail has compacted gravel surface and connects Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake Recreation Areas. Crosses lava flows from Brown Mountain and offers spectacular views of Mt. McLoughlin.
CRESCENT LAKE JUNCTION
Hwy 97 N from Chemult, OR, 7 miles to Hwy 58, then another 15 miles to Crescent Lake Junction. Left on Road 60 takes you around Crescent Lake to Summit, Meek and Windy Lake trails.
CORRAL SPRINGS TRAIL
Base Camp at Corral Springs Campground – From Chemult, OR North 2 ¼ miles to Forest Service Rd 9774, West 2 miles to Corral Springs.
SCOTT CREEK TRAIL
47 miles N of Klamath Falls, OR, to Forest Service Rd 66, West 2 ½ miles., North ½ mi. to Sun Mountain Rd., W 2 ½ mi. to Forest Service Rd. 2310.
BAILEY TRAIL
From Klamath Falls, take Hwy 97 N to Diamond Lake Junction to the south Diamond Lake entrance, then take Road 300 to the trailhead west of Diamond Lake. The trail is 5 miles with an elevation gain of 3113 ft. The lake ½ mile is steep and rocky. Breathtaking overviews of Diamond Lake, Mt. Thielsen and beautiful country.
WILLAMETTE PASS
Willamette Pass is Oregon’s premier family-owned ski and summer resort located in northern Klamath County at the top of Hwy 58, 2 hours north of Klamath Falls. During the summer you can enjoy the many miles of maintained trails, fantastic views, and other great adventures. Ride the Oregon Skyway to the top of the mountain and enjoy the rest of the day and pristine views from your bike. These trails are designed for intermediate to advanced riders. Helmets are advised. After your exhilarating day of biking, the restaurant and lounge are at your service.
ROAD BIKING
UPPER KLAMATH LAKE
Oregon’s largest body of fresh water. With one major hill, the 85-mile route can be a tough one day ride, or a pleasant two-day jaunt. Campgrounds along the scenic west side of Upper Klamath Lake offer convenient stopping points.
VERN OWENS BICYCLE TRAIL
Bicyclists of all abilities ride paved segments of the Vern Owens Bicycle Trail from Oregon Institute of Technology to South Sixth Street and past Mazama High School.
OC&E WOODS LINE STATE TRAIL
Oregon’s longest linear park. This 100-mile trail is built on the old railbed of the Oregon, California, and Eastern Railroad. The trail is open to all non-motorized recreation beginning in the heart of Klamath Falls and extending east to Bly and north to the Sycan Marsh. The first 7.1 miles are paved, the remaining 88 miles of trail are less improved but still a great ride. Beautiful scenery abounds, with majestic Mt. Shasta rising to the south, farmland, juniper, sagebrush, timberlands, Lost River, Merritt Creek Trestle. Camping is not allowed along the trail, except where designated. One such campground is at Switchback Trailhead (mile 32.5). For more information about the OC& E Woods Line State Trail visit www.ocestatetrail.com.
LAKE OF THE WOODS
A 9-mile route begins in the Great Meadow Snow Parking Lot and circles Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake. A more challenging 25-mile route follows Hwy 140, Forest Service Road 37, and Dead Indian Memorial Rd. A few hills and old growth timber make the route a scenic jewel. Camping, refreshments and food are available at Lake of the Woods Resort and Fish Lake Resort. For more information call the Klamath Ranger District at 541-885-3400.
FORT KLAMATH LOOP AND WESTSIDE LOOP
30 miles from Klamath Falls, you will enjoy pastoral scenery and gentle terrain, wildflowers, songbirds, and raptors. A 10-mile loop follows Weed Rd., Sevenmile Rd., Hackler Rd., and Nicholson Rd. For a longer ride take the Westide Rd to see stunning views of Klamath Lake and marshes. For more information call the Klamath Ranger District at 541-885-3400.
CLOVER CREEK ROAD
Take this newly paved 22-mile route offering sweeping views of the southern Oregon Cascades. The route takes you from the intersection of Clover Creek Rd and Dead Indian Memorial Road. Downhill almost all the way to Keno if you begin at Dead Indian Memorial Road intersection. For more information call the Klamath Ranger District at 541-885-3400.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARK LOOP
This route passes by quiet country homes, fields of grain, alfalfa, potatoes and sugar beets. The 14-mile route follows Reeder Road, Short Rd., Hwy 39, Airway Rd, Homedale Rd., Old Midland Highway, and Hill Rd. Fighter jets from Klamath Falls’ Air National Guard base often put on an impressive show in this area.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Not for the faint of heart! This 33 mile loop around Crater Lake offers challenging hills and a breathtaking 7,000 foot altitude. This ride offers spectacular views of the crystal clear blue water of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago.
DIAMOND LAKE
The 11 mile loop around Diamond Lake offers a leisurely flat ride around Diamond Lake with beautiful mountainous scenery. For more information call 541-594-2211.
For additional information, contact Klamath Ranger District, 541-885-3400
