This marked 9.5-mile water trail winds through the marshlands and wetlands of Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge at the northwestern corner of Upper Klamath Lake, approximately 25-30 miles (35-45 minutes) northwest of Klamath Falls near Rocky Point. Upper Klamath Lake is the largest freshwater body west of the Rocky Mountains – measuring nearly 30 miles long and up to 8 miles wide. The canoe trail provides the only public access to explore the 15,000-acre protected freshwater marsh within the refuge, a landscape of open water, riparian forests, marshland, and 30 acres of towering Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest. The trail remains largely protected from the lake’s open waters. Co-managed by US Forest Service and US Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Water Conditions & Skill Level Beginner to intermediate. Calm water with lazy, slow-moving currents and negligible flow makes this accessible for families and beginners seeking a relaxing paddle. The trail stays protected from Upper Klamath Lake’s open waters, avoiding the choppy conditions that can develop on the main lake during windy days. Water is clear and relatively shallow in many sections. IMPORTANT: Wind matters. On especially windy days, Upper Klamath Lake can get very choppy, making paddling harder for smaller watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards. If windy or with beginners/children, stick to the tributaries closest to land for safety – avoid paddling far into open water. Paddlers can fight against wind and current if caught out in exposed sections. Average paddling speed is 2 miles per hour. Full 9.5-mile loop takes approximately 4-6 hours depending on pace and stops.

Access & Launch Two public boat launches: Rocky Point Day Use Area/Boat Launch (south end) and Malone Springs Day Use Area (north end, 4 miles upriver). Rocky Point has parking for up to 8 vehicles, vault toilet, NO potable water. Malone Springs designated for non-motorized boats only – fewer wakes, quieter experience. Rocky Point Resort boat launch (0.1 mile from day-use area) also available for rental customers. The trail is accessible from either launch point – choose your starting point based on which segments you want to paddle.

What You’ll See Four connected segments, each offering different ecosystems: Recreation Creek (closest to land, passes Rocky Point Resort with emerald-green marshlands), Crystal Creek (more marsh environment, cattails/rushes/wocus, Mt. McLoughlin views), Wocus Cut (non-motorized use only, wide and exposed, can dry up by August), and Malone Springs. Trail marked with signs and interpretive displays for the Wildlife Refuge. Abundant wildlife: over 260-350 bird species including white pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, marsh hawks, terns, swallows, red-winged blackbirds, hermit warblers, hermit thrushes. River otters (commonly spotted), raccoons, deer, occasionally beavers (beaver dams can block sections of trail). Masses of wocus lily (yellow water plant, historical food source for Klamath Tribes, key species in Klamath Basin ecology). Vegetation includes aspen, pine, willow along west bank, rushes/grasses along east bank. Views of far-off mountains, wide-open skies, dramatic mixture of marsh, open lake, and forest. NOTE: Beaver dams occasionally block passages – check recent conditions before visiting. Trail markers good on basic segments but less visible on full loop – easy to take unmarked channels that end in overgrowth and shallow water. I recommend using Strava or another app to map your progress, as it can be easy to get turned around.

Best Times to Go Late spring through early summer best for water levels – Wocus Cut often dries up by August. Fall excellent for seeing migrating birds. Visit weekdays for peace and quiet – you’ll likely have the wetlands to yourself. Weekends can be busier. Arrive early morning if possible – winds tend to pick up later in day. Water levels can drop in late summer and early fall.

Amenities Rocky Point Resort: Full-service resort offering kayak and rowboat rentals. Reservations recommended – call ahead or book online. Restaurant with beautiful bay views (check hours and availability). Small general store. Rustic cabins, motel rooms, and camping sites available. Malone Springs Campground: Primitive USFS campground with only 2 free tent sites (first-come, first-served), vault toilet, NO water – bring your own. Harriman Springs Resort and Marina: Lakeside cabins, RV pads, tent sites, restaurant (breakfast through dinner), drop-in watercraft access. Open May through December.

Fees & Notes No fee at Rocky Point Day Use Area/Boat Launch. Oregon Waterway Access Permit required for all paddleboards 10+ feet. Leave No Trace principles essential – dispose of all waste (including apple cores, orange/banana peels) in proper trash receptacles. Much of area is within Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge – respect wildlife and habitat. Plan route carefully – full loop challenging for beginners, exposed sections difficult in wind, markers less visible beyond basic segments. Allow 4-6 hours for full 9.5-mile loop. Can paddle shorter segments and return same way (e.g., Recreation Creek to Wocus Cut and back, approximately 2 miles round trip, takes about 45 minutes each way at leisurely family pace).