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Adventure Guide

Visit the Five Friendly Towns of Klamath Country

All Roads Lead to a Klamath Thanksgiving!

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All Roads Lead to Oktoberfest

Welcome to the heart and soul of Southern Oregon! Find your path to your Klam-cation! As all roads in Klamath County lead to the Klamath Basin.

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Thanksgiving Week November 27th-30th

Hometown Thanksgiving Adventure in Klamath County: Where Every Road Leads to Holiday Fun!

Spend Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by the scenic beauty and cozy charm of Klamath County! Embrace the warmth of a hometown holiday with activities that’ll keep the whole family entertained. Start with seasonal outdoor adventures, enjoy a traditional feast, shopping, and festive fun. Whether you’re cozying up in a cabin, exploring snowy trails, or indulging in local flavors, Klamath County offers countless ways to make Thanksgiving unforgettable. From mountain lodges to lakefront cabins to a relaxing resort, and from snowy adventures to warm campfire gatherings, every path here leads to holiday cheer.

Newsflash

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

Kick off your Thanksgiving with the magical storytelling of The Tale of The Princess Kaguya on the big screen! Showing Thanksgiving Eve at Pelican Cinema as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2024, this enchanting film brings timeless beauty and adventure to your holiday week. Don’t miss it!

Gary Cooper - The Westerner

Ross Ragland 85th Annual Fundraiser Showing The Westerner

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, The Ross Ragland will celebrate 85 years of the building's history! The Esquire Theater opened on November 30, 1940, with the movie "The Westerner". To kick off their yearlong celebration, a special showing will be on the big screen! An exhibit featuring artifacts from the Esquire Theater will be on display in the lobby. Dana Wirth will also be performing to help celebrate in style! This is a FREE event, so don't forget to reserve your seats today!

thanksgiving Eve

November 27th, 2024

People enjoying kayaks on Klamath

Luxury Resort Avenue

Escape to the serene beauty of Running Y Resort for a Thanksgiving weekend for a lifetime! Nestled in the heart of Klamath County, this luxurious resort is the perfect holiday retreat, offering complimentary tickets for two to their lavish Thanksgiving Buffet. Enjoy the resort's incredible amenities, including scenic horseback riding trails, a world-class golf course, and a rejuvenating spa. Make cherished holiday memories with loved ones as you glide across the ice skating rink, then cozy up in beautifully appointed accommodations. At Running Y, Thanksgiving feels like a getaway tailored just for you! 

Rocky point cabin

Cozy Cabin Trail

This Thanksgiving, trade the bustle for a serene cabin stay in Klamath County! Unwind at Lake of the Woods, Rocky Point Resort, or Crystal Creek Mountain Lodge, where adventure and relaxation await. Spend your days fishing, kayaking, or paddling on tranquil waters, and your evenings by the campfire with s’mores in hand. Experience the magic of a holiday weekend surrounded by nature’s beauty!

Crystal Creek cabin

North County Lodge Lane

Celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by the beauty of North Klamath County! Stay cozy in a lodge at Odell Lake Lodge & Resort, Lonesome Duck on the Williamson River, or Red Cone Lodge Bed & Breakfast by Crescent Lake, complete with a hot tub to unwind after a day of winter fun. With stunning views and a peaceful retreat, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday getaway!

Sandwiches

Black Friday Under Blue Skies Blvd

Make your Thanksgiving memorable in Klamath Falls, with affordable lodging options for every budget—from KOA cabins to hotels like Fairfield, Shilo Inn, Days Inn, and Microtel Inn & Suites. While you’re here, explore charming downtown boutiques, shop for unique treasures, and enjoy a laid-back holiday atmosphere perfect for relaxing and unwinding!

Thanksgiving day buffet

November 28th, 2024

This Thanksgiving, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at the scenic Running Y Resort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and warm holiday ambiance, the Thanksgiving Buffet offers a luxurious spread of seasonal favorites that will delight every palate. From traditional roast turkey and all the classic trimmings to chef-inspired sides and delectable desserts, this feast is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.

For $65 per adult and $30 per child, indulge in the flavors of fall while overlooking the serene beauty of Klamath County. With seating times available at 2, 3, and 4 PM, it’s easy to find the perfect time to gather around the table. Reservations are required, so secure your spot today and make this Thanksgiving a cozy, delicious retreat at Running Y Resort.

Black Friday Under Blue Skies

September 29th, 2024

Luxury Resort Avenue

Luxury Resort Avenue

Indulge in pure relaxation this Thanksgiving with a rejuvenating spa day (or two!) at Running Y Resort, while the rest of the family explores Winter Wonderland adventures. For a memorable group experience, gather everyone for a scenic horseback ride through the resort’s stunning rolling acres, where breathtaking views and fresh mountain air make every moment unforgettable. Whether it’s unwinding solo or creating holiday memories together, Running Y Resort has something special for everyone this Thanksgiving.

Rocky point cabin

Lakefront Cozy Cabin Trail

This Black Friday, trade shopping lines for the snowy trails of Annie Creek Sno-Park! Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in the serene Fremont-Winema National Forest. Then, head to East Klamath County for fishing, kayaking, and a cozy campfire at Rocky Point or Upper Klamath Lake. Embrace an adventure-filled day surrounded by nature’s beauty!

Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin

North County Lodge Lane

Ditch the crowds and enjoy a unique adventure at Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin, home to the world’s longest miniature railroad with over 36 miles of scenic track through lush landscapes. After exploring the detailed train models, rent an e-bike from Zach’s Bikes in Klamath Falls to explore Collier Memorial State Park. Ride through forested trails, visit the Logging Museum, and discover historic logging equipment and cabins for a day of history, nature, and outdoor fun!

Blue Skies Boulevard

Black Friday Under Blue Skies Blvd

Skip the mall and discover Klamath Falls’ best treasures! Start your day exploring unique boutiques, thrift shops, and antique finds at places like Woodsy Kitchen, Rare Bird, Keeper’s Corner, and Everybody’s Vintage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at local favorites like Thai Orchid Café or Rooster’s Steak and Chop House. End the night with drinks at Basin Martini Bar, Common Block Brewing, or Volcanic Winery, then challenge family members to pool at Black Dog Billiards. This Black Friday, experience a local adventure full of charm, flavor, and fun!

weekend wonderland

September 30th-31st, 2024

Winter Wonders Await in Klamath County

Experience a winter escape in Klamath County, where sunny skies meet snowy adventures! With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the best of winter’s beauty. Information can be found here on rental equipment for snowy fun!

A Jeep in the snow

Explore Snowy Crater Lake National Park

Discover Crater Lake National Park transformed into a winter wonderland. Snowshoe or cross-country ski along the scenic Rim Drive with breathtaking views of the lake’s deep blue waters. Join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk to learn about the park’s unique winter ecosystem and enjoy the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes.The memories and pictures will be priceless.Winter guide to visiting Crater Lake in the winter.

Snowy crater lake national park

Adventure at Annie Creek Sno-Park

Add some extra fun to your trip with a visit to Annie Creek Sno-Park, where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing on snowy trails surrounded by towering pines. It's an ideal spot to dive into Klamath’s outdoor magic.

Ice Skating at Bill Collier Community Ice Arena

Glide across the open-air Bill Collier Community Ice Arena, set amidst forested hills in Klamath Falls. Whether you're a pro skater or just starting out, it’s a winter activity for all ages. Be sure to call the arena for open skate days and time! (Subject to Reopening).

Ice skating in Klamath

Plan Your Winter Escape

Klamath County’s blend of sunshine and snow offers the ultimate setting for a memorable winter vacation. From Crater Lake’s stunning vistas to the family-friendly fun at Annie Creek Sno-Park, this winter wonderland awaits you!

These small towns are big on fun activities, outdoor adventures, and flavorful fare

Klamath Falls is undeniably the economic and cultural heart of the broader Klamath region. But to limit your next visit to the area’s largest community misses out on what makes the area so special. In some cases, that means visiting Crater Lake National Park; other times, that might mean paddling, sightseeing, or wildlife-watching the farthest reaches of Upper Klamath Lake. To that list, we’d suggest adding a trip that includes visits to the likes of Merrill, Malin, Bonanza, Tulelake, and Dorris—collectively dubbed the Five Friendly Towns of Klamath Country by Rural Klamath Connects, a nonprofit that celebrates and champions the region’s rural communities. None of the Five Friendly Towns boast a population of more than 1,000 residents, and all sit surrounded by the natural beauty that makes Klamath such a special place to live, work, and play. That means you’ll find plenty of small-town charm, only-in-Klamath outings, and mom-and-pop restaurants that dish appetizing meals all day long. So as you start planning your next trip, here’s a look at what to do, eat, see, and experience in the Five Friendly Towns of Klamath County.

ACTIVITIES
Bird Watching
Caving
Cultural Attractions
Family Fun
Hiking
National Parks
SEASONS
Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter

The Past and Present Come Together in Merrill

Learn about the region’s past—and check out annual events

The agricultural community of Merrill sits about 20 miles south of Klamath Falls, just north of Oregon's southern border, and is bisected by Oregon Route 39. 

The no-stoplight community offers plenty of attractions along its main drag—where the fun includes Polar Bear (an old-school hamburger joint adorned in neon), Tacos A La Méxicana (one of Klamath’s best taco spots), and Wild Goose Lodge & RV (hosting updated rooms and RV parking along with an on-site recreation room). Nearby, the Merrill Historical and Modoc War Museum sits inside City Hall, details a wide range of regional history, and is one of Klamath’s best museums. 

Several events bring visitors to Merrill throughout the year. Highlights are numerous but include the Lost River Bluegrass Festival (which features regional musicians every July) and the long-running Klamath Basin Potato Festival (which honors the region’s most famous export every fall with a parade, vendor fair, live music, potato-peeling contest, and other fun events).

Kick Back—or Get Active—in Malin

The farming community hosts a mix of laid-back fun and adrenaline-pumping adventures

Ten miles east of Merrill and 31 miles southeast of Klamath Falls sits Malin—a cozy farming community that was founded in 1909.  

Get acquainted with the town’s past at the Malin Historical Society & Museum, which resides in a former drug store; today, the museum displays historic photographs, offers exhibits about the community’s earliest days, and hosts several Native American artifacts. 

Feel like cooling off? Take a dip in the Olympic-sized Malin Swimming Pool. Open mid-June to August each summer, the pool offers classes and sets aside time for various uses—such as open-swim and lap-swim sessions. Afterward, dry off in Malin Park, which hosts horseshoe pits, a playground, walking trails, barbecue grills, and numerous picnic tables. If you’re getting hungry, fuel up with hearty pies at Bigoni’s Pizza Barn—or with tacos, tortas, and more at Taqueria Jalisciense #2.

 Every spring, Malin comes alive for the three-day Art of Survival Century Bike Ride—a sprawling ride where educational offerings are baked into the fabric of the event and can be found at each rest stop. In practice, that means you might learn about Malin’s agricultural past from a local historian or get insight on the nearby Lava Beds National Monument from a friendly park ranger. Rides of varying lengths are offered to appeal to cyclists of all skill and experience levels.

Bonanza Brims With Small-Town Charm

Highlights include a seasonal market, holiday parade, and more

The city of Bonanza sits alongside Lost River, surrounded by farms and fields in every direction, and is about 26 miles east of Klamath Falls—making it the northeastern-most of the Five Friendly Towns. Legend has it that Bonanza got its name from the Spanish word for "abundance"—an apt descriptor, given the prolific fishing in nearby Big Springs. 

The land continues to provide today, as evidenced by the burgeoning Bonanza Farmers Market; there, visitors can buy local (seasonal) produce, handcrafted artisan goods, and other items on select weekends between June and September. If the market isn’t open on your next visit, grab a plate of Mexican classics or American favorites at Cactus J—or a filling mix of burgers, sandwiches, and barbecue dishes at the RV Que, which is based at the Bonanza RV Park. 

Visiting over the holidays? Be sure to checkout the Bonanza Hometown Holiday Celebration—which includes a light parade through downtown, an appearance from Santa Claus, and a Christmas tree lighting every December. 

While driving around Bonanza, you may spot enormous “barn quilts”—large pieces of art designed to look like quilt squares—displayed on the side of barns. Many of those are part of the Barn Quilt Trail—an ongoing effort by Rural Klamath Connects to showcase the culture and creativity of the residents of the Five Friendly Towns. You’ll find roughly a dozen across the region, but more are found in Bonanza than any of the other communities.

History, Outdoor Attractions Surround Tulelake

Check out national monuments and wildlife refuges

Just across the Oregon-California border, roughly 30 miles south of Klamath Falls, sits the community of Tulelake—and plenty of fascinating history.  

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Tulelake, and among the most-visited anywhere in the broader Klamath region, is Lava Beds National Monument. The massive monument spreads across the Medicine Lake shield volcano, whose eruptions over a half-million years have produced more than 800 caves—including several caves you can visit today; other attractions around the monument include Klamath and Modoc rock art, battlefield sites from the Modoc War of 1872-73, hiking trails, campsites, and a visitor center that provides a look at the area’s cultural and natural history.

Another worthy stop in the area is Tule Lake National Monument—which is home to the Tule Lake Segregation Center (where Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War II) and Camp Tulelake (which also detained Japanese-Americans and prisoners of war during World War II). A visitor center, open in summer, hosts a few interpretive panels that explain the monument's historical significance—and ranger-led tours are offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

In spring and fall, the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a popular stop for waterfowl on their twice-yearly migrations; a pair of hiking trails and a family-friendly canoe trail (open May-October, weather depending) offer engaging ways to experience the refuge. Add to your road trip by downloading the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge History Tour—a narrated audio tour that takes a deep dive into the refuge's earliest days and how it changes throughout the year.

Revel in your day's adventures over street tacos, filling burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes at Señor Tequila. Elsewhere, Mike & Wanda's Family Dining dishes an appetizing menu of down-home favorites—including chicken-fried steak, burgers ,and several sandwiches that incorporate seasonal ingredients.

Outdoor Recreation Sits at the Doorstep of Dorris

Grasslands, wetlands, and more surround this cozy community

The community of Dorris, just 21 miles south of Klamath Falls, sits surrounded by farmland, alpine lakes, towering forests, wetlands, and other habitats that make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which spans Crater Lake National Park in the north and Lassen National Volcanic National Park in the south, passes through the heart of Dorris and offers easy access to the tranquil Butte Valley National Grassland.

Nearby, the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge dates back to 1908, spans two states, and is home to a variety of animals—including dozens of species of bird, coyotes, river otters, bobcats, and black bears. A visitor center, two short hiking trails, and an auto driving tour offer easy ways to explore and understand the refuge, as well as its importance to all manner of wildlife. For more, learn all about the national wildlife refuges around Klamath.

If you're feeling famished after a busy day of adventure, fill up on butter chicken, palak paneer, and more at Indian Punjabi Restaurant.

Discover the Beauty of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is a 500-mile All-American Road of which 140 miles wind through southern Oregon and is renowned for its volcanic history and stunning landscapes. This All-American Road offers a journey through the Cascade Mountain Range, showcasing Crater Lake, the deepest lake in North America, formed by the eruption of Mt. Mazama. The byway is rich in geological and cultural history, featuring attractions like Fort Klamath Museum, Link River Trail, and the Upper Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can explore historic sites, hike scenic trails, and enjoy wildlife viewing, making it a unique and captivating destination.

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