In this dry region between the Cascades and the Rocky Mountains, there are few large bodies of water, so the lakes and marshes of the Klamath Basin are a magnet for birds. White pelicans, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, egrets, geese, ducks, grebes, bitterns, and osprey can all be seen in the area at different times of year. However, the main attraction for many human visitors is the annual winter gathering of bald eagles. In the winter the region is home to as many as 500 bald eagles, making this the largest concentration of bald eagles in the Lower 48. Each winter morning, starting about 30 minutes before sunrise, as many as 100 eagles can be seen heading out to the marshes from their roosting areas in the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge near the town of Worden, 11 miles south of Klamath Falls. To find the eagle-viewing area, drive south out of Klamath Falls on U.S. 97 through the community of Worden and almost to the California state line. Turn west onto the Keno-Worden Road, and, just after the railroad tracks, turn left onto a dirt road. Follow this road for a half mile or so and pull off on the shoulder. Now start scanning the skies for eagles heading east to the marshlands. For more information on bird-watching in the area, contact the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, 4009 Hill Rd., Tulelake, CA 96134 (tel. 530/667-2231; or visit their website).

The easiest way to get out on the waters of Klamath Lake is on an excursion aboard the Klamath Belle (tel. 541/883-4622), a replica paddle wheeler. There are sunset cruises ($7.95), family "Ice Cream Social" cruises ($13 adults, $4.50 children 4-10), and dinner and brunch cruises ($30-$40 adults, $25-$38 seniors, $13-$19 children 4-12). Cruises operate early spring to late fall.

If, on the other hand, you want to get out and paddle yourself around one of the local lakes, check out the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail, which begins near the junction of Ore. 140 and West Side Road northwest of Klamath Falls. The canoe trail wanders through marshlands on the edge of Upper Klamath Lake. For more information, contact the Fremont-Winema National Forests, Klamath Ranger District, 1936 California Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97601 (tel. 541/885-3400). Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the adjacent Rocky Point Resort, 28121 Rocky Point Rd. (tel. 541/356-2287), for $25 for half a day or $30 for a full day.

About 35 miles northwest of Klamath Falls on Ore. 140, you'll find the region's main mountain recreation area. Here, in the vicinity of Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake, you'll find the fun High Lakes mountain-bike trail, which leads through a rugged lava field. Also in the area is the hiking trail to the summit of Mount McLoughlin. In winter, this same area has cross-country ski trails. There are rustic cabin resorts and campgrounds on both Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake.