Visit Crater Lake
An hour north of Klamath Falls, Crater Lake is a beautiful place to visit and photograph in winter and summer. In summer you can drive the entire circumference of the rim and also do some hiking and hike to a waterfall. There is expensive camping available in the summer as well as a gas station, two restaurants, a lodge, 3 gift shops, and a visitors center.
Take note that in winter, Crater Lake is still open, but you cannot drive all the way around rim drive because it is covered in snow and they don't plow it. You can still make it to the rim and the upper visitor center and lodge.
Visit the Rouge River Gorge
A short distance from Crater Lake is the Rogue Gorge and Union Creek Campground. A beautiful area to explore in the summer and fall. There is a beautiful trail leading from the Gorge to Union Creek Campground along the Rogue River and the lower end of Union Creek.
Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway
A short drive from the Rogue Gorge and Crater Lake will take you to the Rogue Umpqua scenic byway, where there's a beautiful waterfall about every 5 minutes down the road. Make sure to bring the mosquito spray and wear long sleeves and pants if visiting these waterfalls.
Jackson F Kimball State Park
Moving south from Crater Lake, you'll be able to visit Jackson F Kimball State Park. This tiny state park and campground sits on the crystal clear headwaters of the small Wood River, and is popular in the summer with campers, fishers, kayakers, and people who want to be baptized in icy cold water. The water bubbles up from underground and is very pretty. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants and bring the mosquito spray. The Wood River dumps out into the Northernmost end of Agency Lake.
Klamath Lake
Throughout the year, Klamath Lake presents some beautiful photo opportunities. It is frozen in the winter, and perfect for kayaking and sailboating in the summer. It's common to see beautiful sunsets here because of the strange air inversion that keep particles in the air instead of blowing them out of town. Klamath is especially beautiful in the winter and fall.
Wildlife Refuges South of Klamath Falls
There are 3 wildlife refuges south of Klamath Falls (in Oregon and just over the California Border) that play host to a wide variety of birds throughout the year. The most popular time to go to these refuges (free to enter) is January through March, when it's bitter cold outside but when you can see dozens of Eagles, large hawks, and other large birds of prey. You can watch them hunt mice and other small animals in the fields, and take pictures from the warmth and safety of your car, or venture out and take a walk.
Lava Beds National Monument
Just into California by Tule Lake is the Lava Beds National Monument (right next to one of the wildlife refuges mentioned above). With over 600 caves to explore, as well as historical battle sites and other geological features to see (costs $10 per car to get in), there's adventure to last you for years. Guides are not required, and there are caves to explore for all levels. While visiting the Lava beds, you are likely to see wild rabbits, deer, wild horses (if you're very lucky), foxes, and possibly even bear and cougar though we haven't seen those. It is also possible to see bats though during bat mating season they close the caves the bats are in so they bats are not disturbed. Be sure to check out the ice caves while you're there as well! There is also ample opportunity to hike. Camping is available year round, but it gets cold and snows through spring. There is a visitor center and bathrooms available.
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