A Birder's Paradise: Klamath Basin | |
Mt McLoughlin towering over the wetlands at Klamath Lake
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Mt McLoughlin in the Fremont Winema National Forest stands to the south of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. It is the tallest peak in the Cascade Mountains between Mt Thielsen in the north and Mt Shasta in the south. As depicted in the photograph above, McLoughlin towers above Klamath Lake in the Klamath Basin. McLoughlin offers a variety of recreation and vacation opportunities: Lake of the Woods, Fish Lake and Willow Lake, and more mountain lakes easily accessed from Hwy 140, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway of Oregon - aptly named, don't you think? McLoughlin offers variety of hiking trails, as well as a hiking trail to the top on the northern flank and more. Every summer people, not just a couple, get lost when taking this hiking trail, however. That's because it's not always a clear trail. It can sort of fade into the surroundings, so be aware if you plan to hike to the peak. Mt McLoughlin also offers access to the Upper Klamath Wildlife Refuge and Wood River Wetlands on the eastern flank presenting the many opportunities Klamath Basin offers to birding enthusiasts. If you're interested in the wetlands, the Upper Klamath Wildlife Refuge is accessed off Hwy 140 at Westside Road after the 43 mile marker if you're traveling east. You'll see signs for Rocky Point - that's the road you want. If you miss the first turnoff, turn left on Rocky Point Road, about .5 mile further east, it will wind around until it ends at Westside Road. Rocky Point has a boat launch for the canoe trails in the wildlife refuge. Find another boat launch at Malone Springs further north, and marked from Westside Road. Other opportunities for birders exist further east on Hwy 140 at Howard Bay and Eagle Ridge on Shoalwater Bay. See directions to Eagle Ridge and a summary of habitat and wildlife sustained at Eagle Ridge. Be sure to plan ahead. I say this now as fire burns somewhere around Crater Lake, and I can hardly see Mt Scott through the smoke: Fire is an ever present danger in our forests. Plan ahead, contact the ranger station local to your destination, and when you plan to vacation in our national forests and wilderness areas, Leave NO Trace! | |
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Shoalwater Bay on Klamath Lake in the Klamath Basin:
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Forward ~ Mountain Lakes wilderness, one of the many peaks, abutting Eagle Ridge wetlands, one of the myriad birding trails in Klamath Basin. Back ~
In August and September Egrets can be USFS: Fremont Winema National Forest in Oregon. Birding trails in the Klamath Basin in the Pacific Flyway: Birders' Trails in the wildlife refuges and wetlands, canoeing in Klamath Wildlife Refuges and the Wood River Wetlands. The jewel in Oregon's crown: Crater Lake National Park. Introduction to the Eagle Ridge pages. Great Blue Herons, Pelicans (pictured to the left) and Egrets delight at Eagle Ridge Park, one of the myriad birding trails in Klamath Basin, Oregon. |
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Explore Little Known Scenic Places near Crater Lake National Park: Introduction to the Crater Lake pages and Directions, Map and Scenery. Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat | |
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Travel on Oregon Hwy 140, from Ashland - Medford, Oregon to the retreat: Directions, Map & Scenery: mountain lakes, sky lakes wilderness, lava flows, hiking trails in the Sky Lakes and Mountain Lakes wilderness areas of the Fremont Winema National Forest; Crater Lake National Park nearby, and more. Directions to and Day Trips in Oregon and California of about 100 miles from the retreat. Little known Scenic Places to explore: hiking and birding trails, wildlife refuges, wetlands, mountains, river gorges, wilderness areas and more near Crater Lake National Park and the retreat: Directions Map and Scenery. Website Directory for the travel pages
Home Page Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat. Wood River Wetlands, not far from Gathering Light ... a retreat in southern Oregon near Crater Lake National Park, pictured to the right. |
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