Summer in the Klamath Basin is wonderful partly because we have a lot of water surrounding us and nothing goes together better than hot summer sun and cold water. Whether the opportunities are man-made or naturally occurring there is something for everyone to enjoy close to home.
Why visit blue spaces in the Basin this summer? Because it’s good for your health. Being around water can help improve mood, reduce stress, inspire creativity, and if you take the time to do an activity, it can even give you a workout. What are you waiting for? Now is as good a time as any to dip your toe in the water.
Splash pads at Wiard Park and Klamath Commons
In both downtown Klamath Falls and in the south suburbs, there are family friendly parks that have splash pads. A splash pad is a water feature at a park where children, people and pets can cool off under streams of water on a hot day.
Stop by the Klamath Commons on a trip downtown. Or enjoy Wiard Park with its splash pad and playground for an afternoon outing.
Ella Redkey Pool
Ella Redkey is a geothermally heated community pool located in downtown Klamath Falls. Although the pool is open all year round, summertime is the best time (in my opinion) to enjoy a dip.
The Ella Redkey pool also offers group swimming lessons in the summertime. No matter what age you are, it’s never too late to learn to swim so you can safely enjoy water activities.
Lake Ewauna
Lake Ewauna is located in downtown Klamath Falls. The lake offers hiking views along the Wingwatchers Trail. You can enjoy a picnic along its shores or launch a kayak for a paddle.
Tule Lake
This wildlife refuge offers activities for many different people from canoeing, birding, to even hunting waterfowl. It’s one of the biggest stops on the Pacific Flyway and is a birders haven.
Klamath Lake
Upper Klamath Lake is big and provides many different options for water activities from canoeing at Rocky Point, sailing in the open waters, fishing on the shores or out on a boat, or just enjoying a picnic along its banks. The water itself isn’t good for swimming, but it can be appreciated in so many ways.
Agency Lake
Agency Lake is part of Upper Klamath Lake, and it provides many of the same water opportunities. You can kayak and canoe, watch wildlife and birds flock around its shores, and cast a line into its waters.
Link River
The Link River connects Upper Klamath Lake with Lake Ewauna. It’s home to the town’s namesake: the Klamath Falls. The falls are more akin to rapids than large waterfalls, but it’s a flat and easy hike to reach them on the Link River trail, which is about 2.7 miles for the complete back and forth round trip.
Lake of the Woods
This is a gorgeous lake. Surrounded by evergreen trees, the lake’s blue waters glisten in the summertime. This lake is perfect for so many water activities like inner tubing, jet skiing, boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular recreational spots in Southern Oregon. But one thing to keep in mind before planning a day trip out to this gem is that parking isn’t free. It can run between $10-$15 per vehicle depending on the date.
Williamson River
This river provides world-renowned fishing, particularly for trout. You can also kayak and stand-up paddle boarding in the crystal-clear waters at Collier Memorial State Park where the Williamson meets Spring Creek. Don’t be fooled by the water’s tempting beauty on a hot day, however, you’d get quite the chill if you jumped in.
Wood River
The Wood River Wetland is open all year for day use activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bird and wildlife watching, and waterfowl hunting in season. The Wood River has interesting twists and turns as it winds through the Wood River Valley. One of the most beautiful spots on the river is Jackson Kimball State Park.
