Living a Boating Lifestyle in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Klamath Falls is a beautiful town near Upper Klamath Lake in south central Oregon. The lakes is a boating paradise since it is over 30 miles in length and eight miles in width. There are numerous undiscovered bays for boats of all types; there are also frequent regattas.  Canoers and kayakers will also enjoy miles of waterways to explore.  Upper Klamath Lake is the largest natural lake in the Pacific Northwest.  Crater Lake is about 30 miles to the north, and is the only National Park in Oregon. Klamath Falls is also a great town for outdoor recreation and birding. Klamath Community College and the Oregon Institute of Technology are in town. Courthouse photo by Llywrch.

Where to Retire in Klamath Falls and Home Prices

There are active adult communities in the area (see link at top left). According to Zillow, the median home value was $284,267 in early 2022, a rise of over 28% during the past year.

What Is Special about Klamath Falls

Crater Lake is about 50 miles to the north. Having 2 colleges, a National Park and many other tip-top natural attractions, and a regional hospital are plusses for Klamath Falls.

What Is Not Special about Klamath Falls

During WWII Japanese-Americans were quarantined in a camp near Klamath Falls. The economy does not seem to be doing so well with housing prices falling and crime rates higher than the national and Oregon averages.

Climate and Physical Environment

Klamath Falls is in very southern Oregon near the California border, and east of Medford. The area is mountainous and many lakes and rivers dot the area.  Contrary to what many people think, much of Oregon is dry, and that includes Klamath Falls. It is about 10 degrees colder here in winter than in Medford. Klamath Falls averages less than 1" inch rain between June and Sept.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The outdoors takes center stage in Klamath Falls. 

Crime

Crime rate is higher in KIamath Falls than in the U.S. and the state of Oregon.

Medical Facilities

Sky Lakes Medical Center is a regional hospital  for a huge area of Oregon and northern California. This is a non-profit hospital with 176 beds.

Transportation

Klamath Falls has a small airport with air taxi operations.  Amtrak serves Klamath Falls. The trail network in and around Moore Park is well loved and heavily used by hikers, cyclists, runners, and others.

Valuable Links

Guide to Southern Oregon retirement
Klamath Falls Wikipedia page

Rate This Town