Klamath County, Lake County, Siskiyou County, Modoc County, CAMPING, PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS, OREGON, CALIFORNIA, CRATER LAKE, OREGON COAST, OREGON STATE PARKS, TRAVEL, MAPS, CAMPING KLAMATH FALLS

Klamath, Lake and Modoc Country presents a bonanza of opportunity for the Nordic skiing enthusiast, with more than 100 miles of groomed and ungroomed cross-country trails. Scenic splendors await the skier at almost every turn in this region that boasts some of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous natural landmarks.

Crater Lake National Park serves as the mecca for cross-country skiers. Snow that piles up to depths of more than 10 feet makes the park a popular playground. But it’s the mystical winter landscape that provides the real thrills. Year-round access to the Rim Village makes the park’s Rim Drive an unrivaled scenic cross-country trail. Several backcountry trails lace the parkland surrounding the lake. Groomed trails are maintained at several

locations in the area, with most offering splendid views of the Cascade Range volcanos. Mt. Shasta dominates the skyline to the south, with Mt. McLoughlin’s perfect pyramid shape rising over the Klamath Basin. Mt. Thielsen’s jagged summit looms over the northern horizon of Crater Lake.

Food and lodging are available near most cross-country ski areas, while less developed sites, such as the Quartz Mountain Sno-park east of Klamath Falls, offer solitude among the snowy silence of old-growth ponderosa pines.

Cross-country ski rentals are available in Klamath Falls, and at the following resorts and ski areas: Lake of the Woods, Willamette Pass Ski Area, Diamond Lake Resort, Shelter Cove Resort and Odell Lake Resort.

Throughout the region you’ll find plenty of accommodations for dining, lodging and equipment supplies. Don’t forget your permit for sno-parks in Oregon, and remember snowmobile registration is required in Oregon and California.

Bonus Points Looking for something more challenging than a day trip and a picnic? Here are a few ideas to make your cross-country season more memorable:

• Local hard-core skiers favor a trip around the rim of Crater Lake. A few make the loop in one-day, while most pull a sled for a two- or three-day expedition. Obtain information and a backcountry permit from the National Park Service.

• Explore backcountry not frequented by the general public. Suggested destinations: Pelican Butte, Klamath Marsh, Gearhart Mountain. Contact the Forest Service f or information, and avoid designated snowmobile trails.

• Enjoy uncrowded small Alpine ski areas located near Lakeview and Alturas. Call Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, (541) 947-6040 or Alturas Chamber of Commerce, (530) 233-4434.

• For remote back country cross-country skiing opportunities with outstanding vistas, enjoy the Dead Horse Loop and Nelson Corral High Country Trails. Information: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Resource Area, 530-233-4666.