Some favorite local haunts are the canoe and kayak trails of Upper Klamath Lake and its feeder streams and rivers. Explore over 15,000 acres, experience mountain and marsh views, and abundant wildlife. Nearly 250 species of birds nest here or pass through during the year. Playful otter, mink, and beaver emerge along the sheltered marsh channels that follow ancient Indian travel routes.

Upper Klamath Lake Canoe Trail, 9.5 miles. Enter the south end at Rocky Point Boat Launch, or put in at Malone Springs, the north entry point. Maps are posted at both ends of the trail, or pick up the Canoe Trail map/brochure at Rocky Point Resort or Crystalwood Lodge. Allow 2-3 hours for a one-way trip. This trail consists of four parts:

• (green line) Crystal Creek Canoe Trail

• (blue line) Malone Springs Canoe Trail

• (gold line) Recreation Creek Canoe Trail

• (pink line) Wocus Canoe Trail

(1) Wood River headwaters/Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Area. Some of the clearest turquoise water outside the tropics! Spend an hour or so exploring several acres of connected natural pools. Don’t attempt the float from here to the Wood River Picnic Area unless you are a very experienced paddler.

(2) Malone Springs boat launch

(3) Rocky Point boat launch

(4) Odessa Creek boat launch. Launch at Odessa Campground. This beautiful area has few visitors but is a favorite with locals on a summer evening. Large steamboats made Sunday excursions from Klamath Falls to Odessa in the early 1900’s, tying up nearby.

(5) Eagle Ridge boat launch. 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.

(6) Henzel County Park boat launch

(7) Wood River Wetlands boat launch. Launch at the Wetlands parking area or at Petric Park. Nearby agricultural fields support a large variety of water and shore birds. Enjoy a panoramic view of the peaks surrounding Crater Lake, Pelican Butte, 2 wilderness areas, and even the glimmering peak of Mt. Shasta. Especially in the spring, be aware of the Wood River’s current. It’s an easy drift downstream, but paddling back is very challenging.

(8) Petric Park boat launch

Tips and Advice

• There is usually less wind in the morning when wildlife and birds are most active.

• Windy afternoons are common and make paddling difficult.

• Best paddling is in the spring and early summer. Later, as the water level drops, entering the marsh beyond the open trails is very difficult. It’s easy to become disoriented as tall vegetation blocks your line of sight.

• Shorelines are marshy or private, so access is limited.

Web design and construction by Rob Mutch of Crater Lake Institute and Robert Mutch Photography