The 1.1 million acre Winema National Forest is located within Klamath County in south central Oregon on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Forest adjoins Crater Lake National Park near the Cascade crest. The lower slopes border on Upper Klamath Lake, the largest lake in Oregon, and vast marshes which are protected in National Wildlife Refuges. The area is best known for its clear skies, sunshine, and diverse landscape of marshes and lakes to forested slopes and wide basins.

The Forest which is the newest in Oregon, was created in 1961 from the former Klamath Indian Reservation and portions of adjacent Forests. Although a young Forest, the Winema has a rich heritage with a blending of Native American prehistory and early exploration and settlement. History records a visit to the area by Peter Ogden of the Hudson Bay Company in 1826 and exploration by Lt. John Fremont in 1843. The Forest is named for a heroine of the Modoc War of 1872. Wi-Ne-ma, meaning"Woman of a Brave Heart" served as an interpreter and peacemaker between U.S. Troops and the Modocs saving many lives.

The diverse habitats found on the Forest support a variety of fish and wildlife species --from deer, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat and elk to large populations of water-oriented birds, including eagles, osprey, pelicans and numerous waterfowl.

The pine and mixed conifer forests provide raw material for the local forest products industry, as well as a natural forested setting for recreationists.

A wide array of recreation opportunities are available, ranging from the solitude of hiking an isolated trail in one of the three wildernesses (Mountain Lakes, Sky Lakes and Mt Thielson) to family and group activities in a social, developed setting at the Lake of the Woods or Miller Lake. Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating and hiking opportunities abound. The Winema has 82 miles of existing hiker/packer trails, excluding 22 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and 11 miles of the National Recreation Trail. In the winter, snowmobiling, snowplay and cross- country skiing are popular activities.

The high mountain lakes and crystal clear stream of the Forest offer trout fishing at its best. Warmwater species such as largemouth bass, Sacramento and yellow perch, crappie and catfish lurk in many of the smaller lakes. Fishing is at its best from May through November, although ice fishing is popular at some lakes. Popular fishing lakes include Miller Lake, a trout filled lake sitting on the edge of the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness area and Lake of the Woods. The Williamson River is a renown fly fishing stream and serves as spawning grounds for brown trout that migrate from Upper Klamath Lake. In total there are 190 miles of fish streams and 41 fish producing lakes offering a change to catch seventeen different species of game fish.

On the Chemult Ranger District, located in the northern portion of the Winema, there are natural-spawning sockeye salmon, (kokanee), in Miller Lake. The lake is also regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Fishing on the lake usually requires a boat to be successful. Boating and camping facilities are available at Digit Point Campground, located on the lake. To get there, drive twelve miles west from Chemult on Miller Lake Road. (Forest Service Road #Q9772.)

Jackson Creek, on the southwest portion of the Chemult Ranger District, also has brown and rainbow trout. To find Jackson Creek, take the Silver Lake Highway, located 25 miles south of Chemult on Highway 97. Drive northeast for 22 miles on the highway, then southeast for five miles on Forest Service Road #49.

The Williamson River, on the Chiloquin Ranger District, is known nationally for its naturally self sustaining populations of trout. The Lower Williamson is known for trophy-size rainbow and brown trout. The upper parts of the river have smaller rainbow and brook tout.

The Chiloquin Ranger District also boarders much of the Sprague River, which has good rainbow and brown trout fishing. Largemouth bass can also be caught in parts of the river. The campground is found by driving through Chiloquin, then heading east for twenty miles on Williamson River Road. At Forest Service Road #4648, head north for 1/2 mile.

Fourmile Lake Campground on the Klamath Ranger District is an excellent place to enjoy water recreation in on an alpine lake. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular on the lake. The campground also has horse facilities at the trailhead leading into the Sky Lakes Wilderness Area. There are six picnic and 25 tent/trailer sites. Drinking water and restroom facilities are available at the campground.

Handicapped facilities can be found at Rainbow Bay and Sunset Campgrounds, both located at Lake of the Woods. The Lake of the Woods Visitor Center is an excellent source of information on the Winema National Forest and the surrounding area. The center has a small historical museum, and maps and books available. Several of the buildings at the center were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and are listed on the Register of National Historical Places. The visitor center is located on Highway 140, about three miles east of the Klamath/Jackson county lines.

The Klamath Basin is the largest waterfowl congregating area on the West Coast and has the largest population of wintering and nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states. These are some of the reasons the Winema is popular with birdwatchers.

On the Chemult Ranger District, access to the northern portion of the Klamath Marsh can be made on Forest Service roads north of the marsh. At Miller Lake, birders may on occasion be able to see a Borrow's Boldeneye or Sandhill Cranes. Birdwatchers may also see Great Grey Owls at higher elevations around the district. The Chemult Ranger District office has developed a checklist listing other bird species that may be found on the district.

The Winema has seven winter sports sites, 242 miles of snowmobile trails and 39 miles of cross-country ski trails. Most of the existing winter trails on the Winema are on the Klamath Ranger District, and are shared by skiers and snowmobilers.

Some of the parking areas near winter trails are plowed by the State of Oregon and a Sno-Park Permit is required. These permits may be obtained at the Oregon State Department of Motor Vehicles office, sporting goods stores and some winter resort areas.

Points of Interest

Pelican Butte - At 8,036 feet, this summit offers breathtaking views of Upper Klamath Lake and Sky Lakes Wilderness. Old growth timber line the narrow, rough road to the top. It is about a 1 hour ride to the summit from Klamath Falls.

Calimus Butte - Historic cupola-style lookout build by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1920. Over looks the scene of the 48 square miles Lone Pine Fire in 1992. Also the Klamath marsh and Sprague River valley.

Ouxkanee Overlook - A short drive off of Highway 97 leads to a picnic area with a stunning overlook of the Williamason River Valley and surrounding landscape. On a clear day you can see as far as Mt. Shasta

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