Upper Klamath Lake (Klamath)

Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County, Oregon

This map has 8 layers

Upper Klamath Lake is a 61,543-acre natural freshwater lake in south-central Oregon, making it the largest lake by surface area in Oregon and the largest freshwater body west of the Rocky Mountains. Stretching approximately 25 miles long and up to 8 miles wide, the lake sits at an elevation of 4,140 feet in the Klamath Graben valley, just northwest of the city of Klamath Falls. The lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Modoc, which once covered over 1,000 square miles before disappearing at the end of the Pleistocene. Since 1917, water levels have been regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation's Link River Dam, maintaining depths that average between 8 and 50 feet, with a maximum depth of 58 feet in a narrow trench along the western shore. The lake features 98 miles of scenic shoreline surrounded by extensive marshlands, forests of Douglas fir, white fir, and cedar, and is fed primarily by the Williamson River, which accounts for 46 percent of the lake's inflow, along with the Wood River and numerous springs.

Upper Klamath Lake is renowned as one of the premier fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest, particularly famous for its redband rainbow trout that routinely reach 20 to 25 inches and can grow up to 20 pounds or larger. These native Klamath Basin redbands migrate in a pattern similar to steelhead but remain entirely in freshwater, spawning in tributary streams before returning to the lake to feed on native fish, leeches, and insects. The lake's Pelican Bay is especially popular among anglers seeking trophy-sized trout, with fishing typically best during fall and spring when fish are most active. Beyond fishing, the lake offers exceptional recreational opportunities including the renowned Upper Klamath Canoe Trail for paddlers, outstanding wildlife viewing along the Pacific Flyway where over a million migratory birds pass through annually, and excellent birdwatching at the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge established in 1928. Visitors can access the lake through several resorts and marinas including Rocky Point Resort, Harriman Springs Resort, and Running Y Resort, which offer boat rentals, camping, dining, and accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade Range mountains. The lake is conveniently located along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, approximately 25 miles from Medford and just north of Klamath Falls, making it an ideal destination for anglers, boaters, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to experience Oregon's largest freshwater ecosystem.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"