 Klamath
County, Oregon, elevation of 4,105' is the home of Crater Lake National
Park, located just east of the Cascade Mountains and just north of the
Oregon/California border. County population is approximately
70,000. It includes snow capped mountains in the west,
and high desert area in the east. For leisure activities, there is
everything from hunting and fishing in the scenic mountains, marshes,
lakes and rivers, sight-seeing at the many attractions, including the
majestic Crater Lake, bird watching and wildlife viewing at the National
Wildlife Refuges, or seeing real western history at its museums.
Upper
Klamath Lake, in the Klamath Basin, is the largest lake in Oregon. The
25 mile long, 64 square mile lake is one of the best bird watching area
in the state. Klamath Country's lakes and
marshes historically have attracted duck and geese hunters and bird
watchers. The Pacific Flyway converges here, with seasonal migrations of
350 bird species, from raptors like bald and golden eagles to grebes,
terns, swans, white pelicans and waterfowl. The Klamath Basin has six National Wildlife Refuge Areas,
three of which are in Oregon.
The Basin hosts the largest number of
wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states, which begin arriving in
November each year. During the spring and fall bird migrations, you can
see thousands of Canadian geese, pintails, mallards, cormorants, gulls,
herons, pelicans and other marsh birds and waterfowl. There are
self-guided auto and canoe trail tours to take for bird viewing.
The incredibly blue water of Crater Lake is truly inspiring. At 1,932
feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the U.S., and seventh deepest in
the world. The depth and clarity of the lake, created by a volcano that
blew its top and collapsed thousands of years ago, is the reason for the
sapphire hue of the water. Take the 33 mile rim drive or one of the
dozens of hiking trails, and enjoy the solitude and perfection of
Oregon's crown jewel.
 During
the Modoc War of 1872-1873, a small band of Modoc Indians used
an intimate knowledge of their homeland's terrain to their tactical
advantage. Under the leadership of Kintpuash (Captain Jack), the Modocs
took refuge in "Captain Jacks Stronghold," a natural lava fortress.
From here the Modocs held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times
their strength for five months. At sites throughout the monument, you
can contemplate this clash of cultures. Lava
Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and
historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the
Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with
diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock
art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert
wilderness experience await you!
 
Spring and Summer, agriculture and ranch land photos |
