From lush wetlands to alpine meadows, Klamath offers a spectacular showcase of wildflowers throughout the spring and summer. Whether you're a casual hiker or a wildflower enthusiast with a camera in hand, these 10 walks highlight the best spots to enjoy the region’s floral beauty. Here’s when to go, what you’ll see, and why each trail is worth the trip.
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1. Klamath Ridgeview Trail (Mid-April to End of July)
Location: Northwest of Klamath Falls
Accessible right from town, this trail offers a long wildflower season. Look for Balsamroot, Lupine, California Poppies, Fritillaria, Monkey Flowers, and Coralroot Orchids. A perfect evening or weekend walk with incredible valley views.
Location: Sky Lakes Wilderness
This lightly trafficked trail is a spring favorite for early bloomers. Expect a colorful mix of Balsamroot, Death Camas, Yarrow, Larkspur, Monkshood, Shooting Stars, and Mariposa Lilies. The peaceful forested trail leads to small creek crossings and wet meadows full of life.
3. Grayback Road (Late April to Early June)
Location: East of Klamath Falls
This scenic backroad winds through forests and meadows bursting with Tiger Lilies, Orchids, Buttercups, Asters, Lupine, Larkspur, and Oregon Boxwood. A great drive with plenty of pullouts for short strolls and wildflower spotting.
4. Wood River Wetland (Mid-May through Mid-July)
Location: Near Agency Lake
A boardwalk and gravel paths take you through this lush wetland habitat where you’ll find Wild Strawberries, Milkweed, Royal Penstemon, Yarrow, Bigleaf Lupine, and Canada Goldenrod. This is a birding hotspot too—bring binoculars.
5. High Lakes Trail (Mid-May to Mid-July)
Location: Sky Lakes Wilderness
An alpine paradise for wildflower lovers. You’ll encounter Small Camas, Ash Penstemon, Chamisso Arnica, Paintbrush, Calypso Orchid, Wooly Sunflower, and Skyrocket. This trail can be muddy early in the season, but rewards with vibrant blooms and clear mountain lakes.
Location: Just east of Klamath Falls
Popular with locals for sunset hikes and panoramic views, Hogback also offers a surprising diversity of flowers including Indian Paintbrush, Columbine, Fawn Lily, Wild Rose, Iris, Warrior’s Plume, and Cluster Lily. Come prepared for a steep, exposed climb—but the blooms are worth it.
7. Spence Mountain Trail System (Early June through Mid-July)
Location: West of Klamath Falls
With dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking, Spence is home to Asters, Daisies, Glacier Lilies, Orchids, Indian Paintbrush, and Cardwell’s Penstemon. The flowers here vary with elevation, so you can hike different segments for different blooms.
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8. Brown Mountain Trail (Early June to Mid-July)
Location: Near Lake of the Woods
This rugged, forested trail near lava flows features blooms like Early Azalea, Dwarf Crested Iris, Orchids, Blueberries, Huckleberries, and Trilliums. The contrast of flowers against volcanic rock creates a dramatic setting.
9. Crater Peak Trail (Mid-June to End of July)
Location: Crater Lake National Park
One of the lesser-traveled trails in the park, Crater Peak offers a moderate climb through meadows filled with Anderson’s Lupine, Cascade Aster, Western Springbeauty, Fireweed, and Dwarf Monkeyflower. At the summit, you'll get sweeping views of the Cascade Range framed by bursts of wildflowers.
10. Plaikni Falls Trail (July to Early August)
Location: Crater Lake National Park
This gentle, shaded 2-mile trail winds through old-growth forest and ends at a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by wildflowers. Look for Scarlet Paintbrush, Lewis Monkey Flower, and Arrowleaf Groundsel. Other blooms in the park include Columbines, Orchids, Bleeding Hearts, and Pacific Coralroot. It’s an easy walk, perfect for families.
Local Tips
The Klamath Basin is proof that you don’t have to travel far to find wild beauty. So grab your boots and your camera, and get out there before the season fades!