Page 78 - SOM FALL 2017 BOOK

the good life | Southern EXPLOREGON
the good life | Southern EXPLOREGON

Klamath Lake Rocky Point (stock photo)

for about 22 miles until you reach Grave recommended. It takes a little over an hour If you are looking for an easier, shorter trip,
Creek Bridge, but don’t cross it. The trail to drive there going east on 140. Turn left follow the eastern bank north towards Malone
begins at a marker on the south side. This on West Side Road and follow the signs to Springs or further up to Crystal Springs.
4-mile out and back hike follows the south Rocky Point boat launch. The trail itself is Excellent fishing opportunities abound in this
side of the river downstream to Rainey Falls 9.5 miles long and wanders through marshy area as well. Come prepared to fish for trout
where you are treated to an amazing view of wetlands, providing the perfect environment either in the Rocky Point area or in the mouth
salmon jumping like superhero fish up these to observe waterfowl. There are birdhouses of the Wood River, another wonderful water-
15-to-20 foot falls. The trail is hewn out of and signs marking the way around the loop. way to explore. Aspen groves around Klamath
solid rock in places and provides a wonderful In this home to many birds nesting and Lake lend golden warmth to the area in the
view from high above the river and at water otherwise, look for: American white pelican, fall.
level. At one point you will see a high water great egret, red-necked grebe, wood duck, For a little adrenaline pumping action,
mark of 55 feet above river level during the black tern, Forster’s tern, osprey (nesting), mountain biking can be just the ticket. In
flood of 1964. There is 1500 feet of elevation bald eagle (nesting), blue and ruffed the fall Southern Oregon trails improve
change along this trail, so we recommend a grouse, yellow rail, (nocturnal), belted with moisture, making them super tacky
good pair of hiking boots and trekking poles. kingfisher, red-breasted sapsucker, pileated and fun. One of our favorite trails lies in the
woodpecker, Western wood-pewee, olive-
sided flycatcher, Steller’s jay, chestnut-backed WAGNER BUTTE area. Chucks Chips is a
If you like to spend your time on the water chickadee, hermit warbler, Nashville warbler, downhill mountain biking trail appropriate
watching the waterfowl migration, a trip to MacGillivray’s warbler, hermit thrush, for intermediate to advanced riders. To find
KLAMATH LAKE AND ROCKY common yellowthroat, Western tanager, the trail, follow Rapp Road west out of
POINT to paddle the Canoe Trail is highly black-headed grosbeak, and more. Talent until it makes a bend to the south and
turns into Wagner Creek Road. This road

76 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2017