Klamath National Forest Guide
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Klamath National Forest is a large national forest that is located in both southern Oregon and northern California. The forest has five wilderness areas that include Trinity Alps, Marble Mountain, Siskiyou Wilderness Area, Russian Wilderness Area, and Red Buttes Wilderness Area. There are hundreds of miles of waterways, hiking trails, and numerous campgrounds. The park also contains portions of the Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains. You will have ample opportunities to swim on a sandy river shore, raft along the Klamath River, and paddle around any one of several refreshing lakes. Visitors can mountain bike, ride horses, and snowmobile during their time in this pristine wilderness.
RV Rentals Near Klamath National Forest
Klamath National Forest Hiking Trails
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Mount Ashland Trail
Mount Ashland Trail is a loop trail located near Ashland, OR. The trail begins on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and runs for 2 miles along the PCT. It leaves the PCT and continues up a creek and eventually leads to the summit of Mt. Ashland. The trail offers great views of Mt. Shasta to the south and Mt. McLoughlin on the opposite side of Mt. Ashland. There is a picnic area at Grouse Gap. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Mount Ashland via Siskiyou Summit Road
Mount Ashland via Siskiyou Summit Road is an in-and-out trail that is located near Ashland, OR. Much of the path is on the Siskiyou Summit Road. The walk on the road is not steep, and there are great views along the way of several mountain peaks. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed.
Length: 6.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Pilot Rock Trail
Pilot Rock Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Ashland, OR. The first part of the trail is an easy trek, but the last section of the trail involves climbing up a steep rock, which can be difficult for inexperienced or unfit climbers. A walking stick and hiking boots are recommended. You can take your dog if it is on a leash.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Roxy Ann Peak Trail
Roxy Ann Peak Trail is a loop trail that is located near Medford, OR. The trail has several switchbacks that are not difficult, and hikers will enjoy the view of Mount Shasta. This trail can be crowded at times. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Greenhorn Trail and Roxy Ann Peak East Loop
Greenhorn Trail and Roxy Ann Peak East Loop is a loop trail that is located near Ashland, OR. The trail is a combination of easy and more difficult sections with several switchbacks and can be muddy at times. Dogs are allowed on this trail if they are leashed.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bear Creek Greenway: South Medford
Bear Creek Greenway: South Medford is an in-and-out trail that is located near Ashland, OR. The trail is a flat paved trail that parallels the highway but offers scenic views. Part of the path is behind a Holiday Inn Express, and there are several homeless camps on sections of the trail. Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Klamath National Forest
There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation inside Klamath National Forest. You can raft on over 200 miles of riverways and hike along numerous trails that range from easy to arduous.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
As you walk on the trails, you will encounter an amazing 17 different species of conifers, including ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, sub-alpine fir, and many other species. You will also be able to find the Siskiyou Mariposa Lily, a plant that is found nowhere else.
There are around 400 animal species that live inside the Klamath National Forest, such as wild horses, elk, river otters, mink, black bears, deer, pronghorn antelopes, badgers, mountain lions, and other species. Along the river's shores, bald eagles and osprey call the forest home. There are multiple hiking and biking trails that allow visitors ample chances to see the resident wildlife.
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Fishing
Many of the rivers and lakes are stocked with a variety of fish species, such as coho salmon, steelhead trout, salmon, sturgeon, bass, and catfish. Anglers can take their pick of the type of fishing that is available for these diverse fish populations.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed in all national forests under certain rules and restrictions.
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Stargazing
The Klamath National Forest has minimal light pollution and affords many places to view the stars on clear nights.
How to get to Klamath National Forest
Address: 1711 South Main St., Yreka, CA 96097
Fee: Entry fee $0
Spending time in Klamath National Forest grants you the chance to participate in many types of outdoor activities. Within the national forest, there are 152 miles of rivers that offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, and rafting, and hiking trails offer wonderful views of the multiple mountain ranges in the forest. There are 28 developed campgrounds in the forest, and traveling throughout this region in an RV is an optimal way to experience your trip fully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Klamath National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Klamath National Forest?
No, there is not a fee to get into Klamath National Forest. However, you may need a pass to collect firewood, cut down a Christmas tree, or participate in various recreational activities within the forest.
Does Klamath National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Klamath National Forest has free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in many parts of the forest and does not cost. There are also developed campgrounds where campers can stay for a fee.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Klamath National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Klamath National Forest. Dispersed campers may stay 30 days within a one-year period. Developed campgrounds post the number of days guests are allowed to stay, which is usually no more than 14 days.
How many hiking trails does Klamath National Forest have?
There are more than 1,000 miles of trails in the Klamath National Forest. The Pacific Crest Trail goes through the forest, along with three other National Recreation Trails.
What type of wildlife lives in Klamath National Forest?
The Klamath National Forest is home to wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, owls, eagles, and Pacific salmon. The forest also has a variety of small animals like squirrels and chipmunks, and lots of different types of birds.
