Lane Lindstrom recently wrote in SnoWest Magazine that Klamath County "May be Oregon's best-kept snowmobiling secret - maybe even the Pacific Northwest's". Klamath County has all the necessities for great snowmobiling - snow, backcountry riding, over 400 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, great lodging and dining facilities, plus two snowmobile clubs.

Great Rides

Pelican Butte:
At 8,036 ft., this peak dominates over Klamath County. There is a trail from the base to the top allowing for great climbing, boondocking, winding through the trees and leisurely riding. From the summit, no matter which direction you look, you'll have spectacular scenery: Crater Lake National Park, Upper Klamath Lake, Chiloquin Ridge, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, Lake of the Woods, Mt. McLaughlin and Mt. Shasta. The powder can be deep and challenging. It's definitely worth the climb!

Brown Mountain:
Meet at Lake of the Woods before beginning your day riding the slopes of Brown Mountain. At 7,311 ft. you'll also have awe-inspiring views of the Sky Lakes Wilderness and Mountain Lakes Wilderness areas. You'll enjoy this fun ride on a volcano, but watch out for "hot spots". Steam vents from inside the mountain leave areas where there's no snow. Very interesting!

Pinnacles to Liars Niche:
This trail will take you to the boundary of Crater Lake National Park (which is off limits to snowmobiles). Going along the boundary, you'll see the unique geological formation of the Pinnacles, a result of volcanic gases and erosion over years and years. Onward to Liar's Niche, you'll hit Dwight's Flight, and Sand Ridge where there are open hillsides and plenty of trees. You'll love the powder!

Snowmobile right from your cabin/motel door? You bet…check out Lonesome Duck. Located off Hwy 97 near the Williamson River, they have 3 cabins for rent, all with fully-equipped kitchens. Chiloquin Ridge is to the east of this resort. Or try Thimbleberry Cabin in Lakewoods Subdivision just a few miles from Lake of the Woods and the powder of Brown Mountain.

Sno-Parks

Crescent Lake Junction
17 mi. W of Hwy 97 on Oregon Hwy 58
Information: Crescent Ranger District, 541/433-2234

Walt Haring Sno-Park
1/4 mi. N of Chemult, OR on Forest Service Rd. 9772 W
Information: Chemult Ranger District,541/365-7001

Crater Lake National Park
From Hwy 97, take Hwy 138 W 15 mi. to park's north entrance
Information: Crater Lake National Park, 541/594-2211

Annie Creek Sno-Park
Hwy 97 near Chiloquin, take Hwy 62 N 25 mi.
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400

Great Meadows Sno-Park
35 mi. W of Klamath Falls on Hwy 140 W
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400

Quartz Mountain Sno-Park
63 mi. E of Klamath Falls on Hwy 140 E
Bly Ranger District, 541/353-2427

Snowmobile Clubs

Sledheads Snowmobile Club
The Sledheads Snowmobile Club was formed in 1993 and has members (usually around 50 families) from as far away as Southwest Washington. The club does a significant amount of fundraising, contributing the money towards various charities and rescue equipment. To join, members must pay $10 for dues and an additional fee of $25 that goes toward the Oregon State Snowmobile Association. Organized rides begin at the sno-park in Crescent and end at Lake Junction. Scott Weaver, of Gilchrist, is the current president. To find out more, contact Bob McCutchan at 541/433-9544 or at bobmccut@aol.com.

Chiloquin Ridge Riders
www.sledspace.com/crr

Klamath Basin Snowdrifters
www.kbsnowdrifters.org

OSSA - Oregon State Snowmobile Assoc. District 5
www.oregonsnow.org