With fall bringing cooler temperatures and changing leaves, it's the ideal season to take drives around Klamath Falls to explore Southern Oregon and Northern California. Just be sure to bring your camera or cell phone and take some photos of the amazing scenery while you're making memories. Our real estate agents suggest starting your trips on some of the following roads.

Scenic Backroads and Early Fall Drives Around Klamath Falls

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Southern Oregon's Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway spans 140 miles and will take you through multiple ecosystems that were created by the volcanoes in the region. Along the route, you'll pass by the following notable sites.

• Upper Klamath Lake - The route takes you past the gorgeous lake, as well as the boundary of the Upper Klamath Wildlife Refuge.
• Crater Lake National Park - The top of the park is accessible from U.S. Hwy. 97's Diamond Lake Junction and provides amazing views.
• Fremont-Winema National Forest - The Byway takes you past the forest, which is bordered by large pines as well as horse ranches.

The Bigfoot Scenic Byway

While you're not guaranteed to spot a Bigfoot along the Bigfoot Scenic Byway, you'll definitely find plenty to see and do. Check out the following as you travel the Northern California Road:

• Hoopa Valley Reservation - a thriving community along the banks of the Trinity River
• Happy Camp - a small town that's home to Wyman Gulch and a roadside waterfall that's a perfect spot to relax
• Clear Creek - a small town known for its glassy waters

Rim Drive

The area around Crater Lake National Park boasts several scenic thoroughfares, including Rim Drive, its most famous. This road circles Crater Lake for over 30 miles, offering a large number of viewpoints with beautiful views of the lake and nearby mountains. You'll be able to stop at overlooks if you'd like to take more time to appreciate the views and snap some photos. In addition to Rim Drive, Hwy. 62 takes you from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake, passing through forests and mountain terrain, where you can see some fall color as early as late September and well into October.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway

The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway traverses 171 miles through the vast Great Basin Area. In contrast to the forests and rivers commonly associated with Oregon, this area is much more desert-like. The road starts in La Pine and leads you to Flat Rock, a natural landmark that's the rim of an ancient volcanic crater that was set in a shallow sea. It's 325 feet tall, and you can hike inside its walls. You'll also travel past the following:

• Picture Rock Pass - Named for Native American petroglyphs in the rock, you can sometimes see the Three Sisters, a trio of volcanoes, from its top.
• Abert Rim - The largest exposed fault gap in North America; it's a popular launch site for paragliding and hang gliding.
• Old Perpetual - Oregon's only geyser; it goes off regularly from October to May.

State of Jefferson Scenic Byway

Passing through northern California and Southern Oregon, the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway takes you on a journey of 108 miles if you travel the entire road. Along the way, it climbs Oregon's Grayback Mountain via an eight-mile ascent with plenty of different tree species. At the summit, you can get a beautiful view of the Marble Mountains in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see fall colors around Klamath Falls?
Fall color typically begins showing as early as late September and continues well into October, especially along routes like Hwy. 62 between Klamath Falls and Crater Lake. Higher elevations tend to change first, so early fall drives often reveal a mix of colors as you gain elevation.

Do I need a park pass to drive Rim Drive at Crater Lake?
Yes, Rim Drive is located within Crater Lake National Park, so you'll need to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid America the Beautiful pass. Note that Rim Drive is a seasonal road and typically closes with the first heavy snowfall, so it's best to check current conditions before planning a fall trip.

Are these scenic byways suitable for a day trip, or should I plan overnight stays?
It depends on the route. The Rim Drive and Hwy. 62 can comfortably be done in a single day from Klamath Falls, while longer byways like the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (140 miles), the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway (171 miles), and the Bigfoot Scenic Byway cover more ground and pass through more remote areas, so an overnight stay or an early start is recommended to enjoy them without rushing.

Drive up to Your New Home This Fall

Contact us today if you'd like to see Klamath homes for sale. We deliver the highest level of customer service to help turn your housing aspirations into reality.