Paddle Sports

Kayak sailing at Four Mile Lake

©Janet Tarjan Erl

Kayakers and canoeists could spend a lifetime here exploring more than 15,000 acres of area waterways.

Experience mountain and marsh views, sneak up on abundant wildlife, and enjoy the quiet where enforced speed limits protect wildlife and those using non-motorized crafts. Nearly 250 species of birds nest here or migrate through. Otter, mink, and beaver emerge along the sheltered marsh channels that follow ancient Indian travel routes.

Great Paddles

Family outing on the Upper Klamath Lake canoe trail

©Julie Black

Upper Klamath Canoe Trail

9.5 miles. Maps are posted at the 2 main entry points, Malone Springs and the Rocky Point Launch., or pick up the Canoe Trail map/brochure at Rocky Point Resort or CrystalWood Lodge. Allow 2-3 hours each way.

North from Malone Springs

3 miles. This route continues north from the Canoe Trail and ends at Crystal Springs/CrystalWood Lodge. These waters are more remote, with fewer visitors and only the occasional shoreline home.

South of Rocky Point Boat Launch

1 mile. Follow the shoreline 1/2 mile and take Harriman Creek where it enters from the right. Continue almost 1/2 mile to springs bubbling out of the rocky shoreline. Below, dark brown colonial algae grow in the crystal clear water and big trout glide by. Allow 1-2 hours for a round trip.

Experienced paddlers floating the Wood River

©Mike Black

Odessa Creek

Launch at the steep east end of Odessa Campground off Hwy 140, milepost 47. This beautiful area has few visitors but is a favorite with locals on summer evenings. Large steamboats made Sunday excursions from Klamath Falls to Odessa in the early 1900s, tying up nearby.

Wood River Wetlands

Launch at the Wetlands parking area or at Petric Park. Nearby fields support a large variety of water and shore birds. Enjoy a panoramic view of the peaks surrounding Crater Lake, Pelican Butte, two wilderness areas, and even the glimmering peak of Mt. Shasta. Be aware of the Wood River’s strong current which makes any upstream paddling challenging.

Wood River headwaters at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

Some of the clearest turquoise water this side of the tropics! Spend time exploring several acres of connected natural pools. Don’t attempt the float to the Wood River Picnic Area unless you are an experienced paddler.

Kayaking on Agency Lake

©Jim Litts

Williamson River

Launch at Klamath County Park on S. Chiloquin Rd., 200 yds. east of Hwy 97. Takes about 4 hrs. for the gentle 5 mile drift to Williamson River Resort.

Eagle Ridge

Launch at Eagle Ridge County Park. Head out from shore for open lake views, or hug the marshy shoreline to the south in search of birds and wildlife.

Tips and Advice for Paddlers

Ready for his first kayak trip with life jacket, sun screen, water bottle, and borrowed hat

©Julie Black

There’s less wind in the morning when wildlife and birds are the most active. Windy afternoons are common and make paddling difficult.

Spring and early summer are best for paddling. Later, water levels drop, tall vegetation blocks line of sight to disorient paddlers, and travel away from the canoe trails becomes difficult.

Canoes are included with room rent at Dearing Cabin, Crater Lake Resort, Sun Pass Ranch, and Lonesome Duck, while CrystalWood Lodge rents canoes to guests. Rocky Point Resort, Agency Lake Resort, Williamson River Resort, Fish Lake Resort, and Lake of the Woods Resort rent canoes, kayaks, and/or boats to day visitors and guests. Let’s Paddle rents kayaks (541) 381-2354.

Shuttle service is available at Fort Klamath Store, Agency Lake Resort, and Williamson River Resort for one-way paddlers. Some resorts charge for launch & take-out. If you’re new to paddling and would like a real guide for your excursion, check out the Guides and Outfitters page for businesses that can get you out on the water.