New rest stop/boat ramp

Klamath Lake, Oregon. There are only a few access points for this huge lake. I believe that's mostly because it is not a priority area for State money to be spent. Klamath County is one of the top seven poorest counties in Oregon and with few tourists, there is little incentive for the State or the County to provide new amenities. So, the expansion of this small access area is a big deal (toilets!). It will be used year-round to launch small boats, photograph landscape and birds, catch fish or stop for a little "relief" on the way to Medford.

Klamath lake is "dead" - full of algae. It is usually harmless. However: there are periodic cyanobacteria blooms and Oregon Health Authority publishes warnings and instructions on the thorough cleaning of fish caught there. I don't personally know anyone who uses the lake at all during blooms, which can make people and pets very ill if they swim in the lake at that time. Dogs are especially hard to keep out of the water, so they must be leashed to posts at your campsite. Warnings are posted everywhere during that time, so everyone knows when to take precautions. Several species of fish can be caught and eaten, including rainbow trout and largemouth bass, but only with very thorough cleaning (see second link below). It is against the law to harvest or consume clams or mussels from the lake.

If by any chance you are visiting Klamath Lake during the summer, refer to this site for warnings and instructions: www.healthoregon.org/hab

This is the most recent warning, June 2024: www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/recreationalusehealthadvisoryreissuedupperklamathlake.aspx