Klamath Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls is not a single, plunging waterfall but a lively stretch of rapids on the Link River that runs through Klamath Falls, Oregon. The river corridor offers attractive riverfront scenery and a sense of the area's historical waterways rather than a dramatic vertical fall, making it a pleasant spot for short walks, photography, and watching river activity close to town. Nearby camping is convenient: the Klamath Ranger District campground sits approximately 2.44 km away, so you can easily combine an overnight stay with an early-morning stroll along the river.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route runs along the Link River and is mostly level riverfront walking with a few short moderate pitches that account for the elevation gain. This urban-river trail is popular for walking and birdwatching; trail type is out-and-back and suitable for hikers seeking an easy to moderate outing close to town and nearby camping (Klamath Ranger District ~2.44 km).
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Klamath Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Klamath Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather and active wildlife, but the trail is accessible year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and avoid getting too close to the river due to strong currents. Be cautious of uneven terrain and wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Link River, 0.6 miles away, not on Klamath Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
748 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
1.48 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LINK RIVER AT KLAMATH FALLS, OR (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
808 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
862 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
771 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
824 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
907 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
846 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
804 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Klamath Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 92 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,113 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 182 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 147 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,113 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 92 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Klamath Falls is located in southern Oregon, easily accessible via Highway 97. The Link River area, where the rapids are located, is near downtown Klamath Falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Link River Trail and other nearby recreational areas.
Elevation
4,114 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.230422° N, -121.799449° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Visit in the morning or evening for cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting wildlife.
Where to Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls
Comfort Inn & Suites Klamath Falls
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Klamath Falls Central by IHG
The Maverick Motel, Main Street USA Collection by PNW Hospitality
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Klamath Ranger District
1.5 miles away · 0 sites
2819 Dahlia Street, Suite AKlamath Falls, OR 97601 USA(541) 885-3400 Office(541) 883-6709 Fax(541) 883-6702 TTYMonday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30 pmClosed on National Holidays
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Nearby Attractions
Crater Lake National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, and the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge are all within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of birds, including bald eagles, herons, and waterfowl, as well as fish and other small wildlife.
Cities near Klamath Falls
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