Klamath Falls (Part 3): Lines, Rails, Trains, & Trails

On Thursday afternoon, we went to downtown Klamath Falls and walked along the OC & E (Oregon, California & Eastern) Woods Line State Trail, which is a 109-mile (Oregon's longest linear park) trail converted from the old railroad, which ran actively in the early 20th century.

The old steel bridge in the urban section dated from 1898.

On Friday morning, we drove north along the eastern side of Upper Klamath Lake to Collier Memorial State Park.  Unfortunately, due to extensive damage from a devastating fire in September 2020, much of the park was closed, but the views of ultra-clear Spring Creek (a great kayaking spot) were lovely. 

We wandered around the nearby outdoor logging museum which chronicled logging practices in this area and displayed equipment and buildings dating from the 1800s. 

"Sharp saw"

We stopped by Chiloquin's Train Mountain Railroad Museum, home to The World's Largest Private Caboose Collection as well as the World's Longest Miniature Railroad (although we didn't get a chance to ride on it).

While Niall was napping, I took Iver to Crater Lake Zipline about twenty minutes from our vacation rental, where he got to participate in "Sasquatch Hollow," a 90-minute zipline experience for kids aged five and up. 

He had a great time! This was the first activity like this that he'd done, but he's such a good climber that I knew he'd love it. He was one of the smallest/youngest kids there and was so brave from the heights (and faithfully wore his mask as there were times he was close to the other kids and we can’t be too careful with Delta!).

We concluded our trip with a walk on one of the scenic trails along the lakeside on the ranch property. It was supposed to be a great birding trail (although I can identify very few birds).

Egret (?)

 

Grazing deer (and smoky skies)

Nearly all of our photos were a bust due to the kids' (non)cooperation and sun in their eyes, but we got a few cute ones. 

Which of these goodies should we choose for our Christmas card?! 

Stripes, plaid, and crocs— these boys sure dress (matching and) in style! 

All in all, we had a lovely restful few days with some new pretty scenery to admire. Klamath Falls and Upper Klamath Lake were a hit (even though I think my kids’ favorite part of the trip was the resort pool!).