Waterfalls Tour

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway - (California, Oregon)

Departure: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Destination: Cottonwood Falls in Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, Oregon
Time to allow: 1 day

The first question asked by many visitors and newcomers to Klamath Falls, is "Where are the falls?" The query often meets with a blank expression from local residents who aren't sure how to respond. Depending on the time of year that can be a tough question to answer.

Day 1

  • Start: Klamath Falls

    The city of Klamath Falls was originally named Linkville after a short river that links two lakes on either side of the town. Community leaders decided in 1893 to change the city's name to Klamath Falls. Their idea was to "let the world know of our water power."

    The falls they had in mind were apparently a series of rapids in Link River, where waters from Upper Klamath Lake spilled over a natural reef and served as the lake's natural outlet. A hydroelectric project built in 1921 significantly altered the Link River reef, virtually eliminating the rapids except during periods of high water. Today, a 1.3-mile hiking trail along Link River, maintained by PacifiCorp, provides a pleasurable route for a nature hike.

  • Stop 1: Link River Trail

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 2.2 mi (3.5 km)
    Directions:

    From downtown Klamath Falls: drive north east on Klamath Ave and turn left on N 11th St. Follow N 11th St as it turns into Upham St and then turn right on Oregon Ave. Follow Oregon Ave as it turns into Nevada St. and crosses the bridge. The parking lot for the Link River Trail is located across the street from Putnam's Point Park on Lakeshore Drive/Nevada St.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Just below the falls on Link River, the Klamath Indians had a settlement called "Yulalona," meaning "move back and forth." They constructed rock fish traps below the falls to hold fish. Take the Link River Trail to see where the Klamath Falls were located before a hydro power project was constructed on the Link River. The Link River Trail, maintained by PacifiCorp, is a popular spot among local residents for walking, jogging and wildlife viewing. Many species of water birds can be observed on the river, while the steep sagebrush-covered slopes beside the river serve as habitat for several songbird species. Blackberry bushes and crabapple trees grow in abundance at the southern end of the trail . The gravel-surface trail is slightly over one-mile long, and has a gentle grade. Free parking is provided at each end.

  • Stop 2: Vidae and Duwee Falls at Crater Lake National Park

    From previous stop: 1 hour 38 minutes / 69.5 mi (111.2 km)
    Directions:

    From the Link River Trail parking lot, head southwest on Lakeshore Drive. Take a right onto OR-140/ Falls Hwy and follow for 19 miles. Turn right on West Side Rd for 17 miles and contine on to Sevenmile Rd. Turn left onto Weed Rd and continue onto OR-62/ Crater Lake Hwy. Follow the highway for 16 miles and then turn right on Munson Valley Road. Follow the Munson Valley Rd to get to Rim Dr.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Look for Vidae Falls along Rim Drive. Duwee Falls can be seen along the Godfrey Glen Trail. During the spring run-off, waterfalls are common throughout this world-famous park.

  • End: Cottonwood Falls in Mt. Thielsen Wilderness

    From previous stop: 1 hour 30 minutes / 52.5 mi (84.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take Rim Dr. around Crater Lake. Take your first left onto N. Entrance Rd and continue northeast. Turn right onto OR-138/ Diamond Lake Hwy and follow until you reach US Hwy 97/ The Dalles-California Hwy. Turn left and head northeast until you reach Chemult, OR. Turn left onto Deer Butte Rd. and follow for about 12 miles into the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness area. Begin your search for Cottonwood Falls at Miller Lake.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    Use your map and compass skills to find Cottonwood Falls in the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness Area north of Crater Lake National Park. No trails, no signs, and lots of solitude. Contact the Chemult Ranger District for information.

    Mt. Thielsen Wilderness contains several pristine lakes, streams, and meadows. Mt. Thielsen, at 9,182 feet, is known as the 'Lightning Rod of the Cascades,' for its tendency to attract strikes on its spire-like peak. Climbers are rewarded with an outstanding view of this pristine wilderness. There are vast, uncut areas for the more adventurous hiker, and the Pacific National Scenic Trail runs north-south through the area.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 124.2 miles / 198.7 km
Total Travel Time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 6 hours