Spring Creek

This crystal-clear, spring-fed creek flows through Collier Memorial State Park, approximately 32 miles north of Klamath Falls off Highway 97 near the town of Chiloquin. Spring Creek converges with the Williamson River in the park before ultimately flowing into Upper Klamath Lake. The creek bubbles up from underground springs, creating otherworldly aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green water that remains stunningly transparent (and freezing cold) year-round. Spring Creek is sacred to Klamath Tribes – visitors must respect these waters as a sacred place. The creek gained popularity after being featured in various paddling guides, but saw temporary impacts from the 2020 Two Four Two Fire that burned 400 acres and damaged the Collier Logging Museum.

Water Conditions & Skill Level Beginner-friendly. Extremely calm, slow-moving water with barely noticeable current makes upstream paddling to the headwaters accessible to all skill levels – just requires some stamina. Current is so mild you may not notice much difference paddling up or downstream. Very shallow water in many sections, especially near the headwaters, where you may have to get off your paddleboard to navigate some logs. Water temperature stays a frigid 40°F year-round – swimming not recommended despite inviting appearance. Wading will numb your feet within minutes. Water clarity is exceptional – you can see straight to the bottom, revealing smooth rounded stones (some golf-ball sized, others larger than softballs) and rare “Mare’s Eggs” (Nostoc pruniforme), a species of cyanobacteria that forms dark green gelatinous spheres found in only a handful of places worldwide. Do NOT disturb or walk on Mare’s Eggs if swimming – they are living organisms.

Access & Launch Launch from Spring Creek Day Use Area, located behind the Collier Logging Museum off Highway 97. Approximately 50 feet (50 yards per some sources) from parking to creek – mostly paved so not difficult to carry watercraft. In 2023, park managers installed a specialized launch device with gently sloped pads and handrails that allows paddlers to sit in their kayak and gradually slide into the creek without getting wet, then use handrails to slide back up when returning. Makes launching and landing easy and fun. Parking lot can fill up on weekends – arrive early or visit weekdays for better parking and fewer crowds. No cell phone service at day-use area.

What You’ll See Two-mile paddle upstream to the headwaters reveals stunning water that shifts from clear to turquoise to jade green. “Dancing sands” near the headwaters create mesmerizing patterns where underwater sand swirls and shifts. Springs bubble up through sandy creekbed at headwaters – the source of the creek’s remarkable clarity and cold temperature. The route passes alongside houses and other buildings, plus forest areas scarred by 2020 fire (blackened trees along some stretches). Wildlife includes bald eagles perched in tall trees, Canada geese, goats grazing along shore, river otters, mule deer, elk. Native redband trout spawn year-round in the spring-fed waters. Mare’s Eggs visible on creek bottom – rare cyanobacteria found few places on Earth. Paddlers often eat lunch from their paddleboards at the headwaters, soaking in the scenery. Partially submerged logs near headwaters require careful maneuvering – low-sitting kayaks may have difficulty navigating obstacles in shallow water.

Best Times to Go Day-use area open May 1 – October 15 (seasonal). Late summer and fall ideal, but any calm day works year-round if outside seasonal closure. Early morning or weekdays recommended to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Parking limited and can fill quickly on weekends. Spring Creek is about 30 minutes from Klamath Falls, 1.5 hours from Medford, perfect for day trip. Located 32 miles north of Klamath Falls, approximately 30-40 minutes from Crater Lake National Park’s southern entrance.

Amenities Spring Creek Day Use Area: Large parking lot (rebuilt after 2020 fire), restroom facilities, drinking water, picnic tables, large grassy area for playing. Specialized kayak launch device with handrails. NO covered picnic areas at Spring Creek day-use – for shade, cross Highway 97 to Collier State Day Use Area which has picnic tables under trees along Williamson River.

Fees & Notes Currently, there is no day-use fee at Spring Creek Day Use Area. Oregon Waterway Access Permit REQUIRED. Obtain permit BEFORE arrival – no way to purchase at park, no cell service. Respect Spring Creek as sacred waters to Klamath Tribes – practice Leave No Trace, do not litter or take from the land. Much of Spring Creek runs along private property – respect boundaries.