A Bit About The Running Y Ranch Resort and The Upper Klamath Basin
The Running Y Resort is in the heart of the Upper Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon. On the East border of the resort you’ll find Upper Klamath Lake, the largest freshwater body in Oregon. Klamath Lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide and is home to one of the most diverse wildlife populations in Oregon (including ample Bald Eagles and other protected species).
Being on the foothills east of the Cascade Mountain range, we’re situated perfectly for great weather (over 300 days of sunshine per year!) and for a diverse range of outdoor opportunities within a 45 minute drive either direction. Head west and you’re up in the Casecades where you’ll find vast forests, lakes, trails, and even Wilderness areas reachable only by hike or horse. On the east side of the resort you’ll find Klamath Lake, Klamath Falls (population of about 35,000 including the suburbs) and the plains of Eastern Oregon.
On the economic side of things, Klamath Falls is home to Oregon’s largest privately owned company (Jeld-Wen), Oregon Institute of Technology, Kingsley Field Air Base and Regional Airport (United Airlines services Klamath Falls with daily flights), and various startups that cater to customers around the region and world.
Culturally, being just north of the California border, Klamath Falls has grown to be a playground for many Californians looking to escape the big city in addition to people from around the country who just love the unique outdoor opportunities our area has to offer.
Things To Do At The Running Y Ranch Resort
Relax:
Sandhill Spa at the Running Y fitness center is a 3 minute walk from the townhome. You can call to book an appointment at 541-850-5547. Get a massage or even relax in the sauna just off the swimming pool near the spa.
Bird Watching in the Klamath Basin is world class. The Pacific Flyway goes right over the resort. For great birding on property head down by Klamath Lake on the East side of the resort… or even catch tons of wildlife from the back porch of our townhouse 🙂
Play:
Golf at the Arnold Palmer designed Running Y Ranch Golf Course, one of America’s top 100 public courses. Book at tee-time at: 877-866-1266.
Mini-Golf is on property too! Next to the golf pro shop is an 18 hole real grass mini-golf course that’ll challenge even the avid golfers. Call the pro shop for rates.
Fitness Center just steps away from the townhome has volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, a playground, basketball court, swimming pool, games, and more!
Hike and Bike the Running Y trails. There are miles and miles of paved and well kept trails for walking, running, and biking around the resort. Start down by the main resort hotel and check out the resort! It’ll even take you all the way down to the Klamath Lake waterfront side of the resort! Bike rentals are available on property at Wheel Fun Rentals near the main lodge.
Ice Skating (during winter of course) at the Bill Collier Ice Arena here on the resort property is a blast! Strap on the skates, grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy!
Within A 30 Minute Drive Of The Running Y
Klamath County is one of the most diverse regions of Oregon when it comes to landscape and wildlife. Within a half an hour from the Running Y you can be at mountain lakes, hiking up volcanic mountains, dining at local restaurants, or much more. Here’s a few things to do within a 30 minute drive.
Lakes / Fishing / Hiking – Visit several great fishing and water skiing spots in the Cascade mountain range. Lake of the Woods is 30 mins from Running Y and is one of the best recreation lakes in Southern Oregon. Or for a more tranquil and relaxing lake… visit Fish Lake, Howards Prairie, or any of the other closeby lakes.
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge + Pacific Flyway –
World-Class Rivers – Fly fish the Williamson River where Rainbow trout can be 30”+ or secluded Klamath River where rainbows average 16-18”.
Downtown Klamath Falls – Shop, dine, walk through our historic buildings, the Ross Ragland Theater for a play or a show, visit our Saturday market, or even visit our museums where you can learn about the history of the Klamath Basin and our people. Stop by the visitors center downtown for more information.
Pelican Cinemas – A 15 minute drive from Running Y is our local cinemas where you can catch the latest movies at 2643 Biehn Street.
Rocky Point Resort – Just 15 minutes away, is a great getaway for dinner or to hop on the Upper Klamath Lake canoe trail to get up and close to our wildlife and nature in the Upper Klamath Basin.
Within 90 Minutes Of The Running Y Resort
Within 90 minutes drive from the resort your opportunities really open up. In every direction you can find something epic to do… and even visit the deepest lake in America (the 2nd deepest in the world). Here are some things you’ve got to check out that are only a 90 minute drive away or less.
Crater Lake – You can’t come to the Running Y without visiting Crater Lake. The deepest lake in North America and the 2nd deepest in the world, Crater Lake is a lake created over 10,000 years ago when Mt. Mazama erupted and collapsed into itself creating a massive crater. Over the years the crater filled with spring water to form what is now Crater Lake. It’s only a 45 minute drive north of Running Y resort.
Lava Beds National Monument – One of the great sights in all of the West Coast is the Lava Beds National Monument located 70 minutes south of Running Y just across the California border. Explore the underground caves, soak in the history of the battle fields, and even see ancient petroglyphs.
Rogue River – The Rogue River is one of America’s top rivers for rafting and recreation. The best place to access the river (even go on a “jet boat” ride!) is Grants Pass which is 90 minutes west of the resort.
Medford, Jacksonville, and Ashland – If you’re wanting more variety shopping or want to check out Southern Oregon wineries… drive 60 minutes west of the resort on Hwy 140 to Medford. Also, visit Jacksonville (10 minutes west of Medford), a historic town where you’ll find great food, great wine, history, and a great vibe. Travel 20 minutes south of Medford to Ashland where you’re deep in the cultural and arts capital of Southern Oregon. The world renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a must see in Ashland if you’re a theater geek like us.
Get Out There And Enjoy Yourself!
We thank you again for visiting the Klamath Basin and staying with us at our townhome. There’s lots to do here, so get out and enjoy yourself! Relax, have fun, plan hard, and soak in all Southern Oregon has to offer. If you have other questions about things to do, the front desk at the Running Y Resort has really helpful people to help you plan your time while you’re here.
– The Mauch’s