Travelers on the Oregon Trail found themselves on the banks of the Link River after they managed to cross the most difficult part of the Cascade Mountains. In 1867 the town of Linkville, made up largely of these stalwart pioneers, was formed at the mouth of that same river. After the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1909, the rechristened town of Klamath Falls became a successful lumber town. Today that Victorian charm still exists in the vintage streets of Old Town, subtly mixed in with the recreational attractions of the modern world.
Ride the Linkville Trolley
- The New Linkville Trolley is a mirror image of the vintage cars that motored through town in the 1980s. It is also similar to the original horse-drawn cars that transported riders around town in 1907, except for the rubber wheels. Today’s trolley operates from Tuesday through Saturday and winds its way through the historic section, beginning at the Klamath County Museum. Your fare allows on-and-off privileges for the entire day. If you find something interesting, get off and explore. Flag down the trolley when it comes by again and hop back on. This is one way to get up the hills of Klamath Falls with little effort.
Explore Klamath Falls' Downtown Museums
- The Klamath County Museum is one of the Main Street treasures in Klamath Fall’s downtown core. Located in what was an armory, the museum houses collections of Native American artifacts, early photos, pioneer relics and mounted examples of local wildlife. The "Forests for Everyone” exhibit is interactive with special activities for children and adults. The Favell Museum on West Main Street features contemporary art and artifacts from indigenous people in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Peru. Both of these museums are open Tuesday through Saturday, year-round. The Senator George Baldwin Hotel, dating back to 1906, was first a hardware store and then a hotel. Today, visitors may tour the property, which has photographer Maud Baldwin’s studio still intact. Open from June through September, Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.
Klamath Falls Farmers’ Market Shopping Fun
- Every Saturday between the beginning of June through mid-October, the Klamath Falls Farmers’ Market sets up shop downtown, on 9th Street between Klamath Avenue and Main Street. Find fresh produce, baked goods and hand-made crafts, all under a street full of colorful canopies. This is the local gathering space and it can get a bit crowded. The street is closed to traffic so your best bet is to come early and find a nearby parking space. Take home fresh-made jams, local honey and maybe a live plant to decorate your garden. The list of vendors changes constantly so you never know what you’ll find in this Klamath Falls downtown treasure.
Recreate at Klamath Falls Sports Parks
- Steen Sports Park is a multiuse sports venue that just happens to have a skateboard park that is one of the best in the world. Also on hand are an aquatic center, two gyms, baseball fields, indoor and outdoor soccer fields and an indoor golf range. If you like your sports with a touch of machismo, head to Bill Scholtes Klamath Sportsman’s Park and take to the ATV courses or test your aim at the archery or shooting ranges. There’s also room enough to put your radio controlled planes in the air. This outdoor venue is open year-round, weather permitting and is roughly 17 miles southwest of Klamath Falls, near Keno. The Bill Collier Community Ice Arena is inside the Running Y Ranch Golf Resort that also features an 18-hole golf course. The ice sits under an oversize fabric roof but is open on the sides, making this an outdoor skating rink. The arena hosts hockey games, curling matches, figure skating and recreational skating. Running Y Ranch is a 10-mile drive from downtown Klamath Falls.
Visiting Crater Lake National Park
- Crater Lake National Park is only 60 miles north of Klamath Falls, making this a good stopover point for those heading to one of Oregon’s wilderness treasures. The dormant volcano is known for the brilliant blue water in its crater -- in which swimming is allowed -- and Wizard Island peeking up from the depths on the western end of the lake. Summer sports include fishing, hiking and camping. Winter visitors may enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling on selected trails. Not all roads leading to the park are open in winter, it depends on the snow pack. Crater Lake Lodge, the Mazama Cabins and the campgrounds are seasonal, open from mid-May through mid-October. The park is an easy day-trip from Klamath Falls as long as the weather cooperates.
