At 20 miles long and eight miles wide, the Upper Klamath (also known as Klamath Lake) is Oregon’s largest freshwater lake. It’s also one of the biggest natural bodies of water west of the Rockies. Visitors love Klamath Lake for its gorgeous weather and teeming wildlife. It also offers incredible water sport opportunities and excellent fishing.

At Klamath Lake, it’s sunny 300 days of the year. In summer, the average temperature is a pleasant 82 degrees. Winds year round are strong—and unpredictable. But that just makes windsurfing and sailing on the lake that much more fun. In fact, Sailing Magazine has called Klamath Lake one of the 10 best lakes in North America for sailors. During the summer months, numerous regattas are held there.

Like Crater Lake, Klamath Lake lies in Klamath Graben, a long valley between geological faults. Regulated by a dam, the lake is relatively shallow, ranging in depth from eight to 60 ft.

If you visit the Upper Klamath in spring or fall, don’t forget to bring your camera. It’s a popular stop on the Pacific Flyway, and you’ll witness enormous flocks of migratory waterfowl, including Sandhill Cranes, American White Pelicans, bald eagles, western grebes, and Clark Grebes. Over 350 species of birds are attracted not only to the lake, but also to the marshlands on its north side, around Pelican Bay.

This area, the Upper Klamath National Wildlife refuge, is home to many creatures, including deer and otter. While canoeing or kayaking the numerous bays along the lake’s scenic 7.5-mile water trail, you’re sure to encounter some form of wildlife.

The Upper Klamath is fed by several rivers and streams, including the Williamson River. At the southern end, it drains into the Link River. On the north, it connects to Agency Lake. Like many of its feeder rivers, the Upper Klamath contains bass, crappie, kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. Some rainbows weigh over 10 lbs. Although the lake is open year round, the fishing is best from early June through September. Visitors are allowed one catch per day.