Cold Weather Vacations- the latest trend in travel. I recently went on a trip with Discover Klamath to explore Southern Oregon during the shoulder season- a time when rates drop and trails and roads clear up. The transition between Fall to Winter in Klamath is both peaceful and dramatic, brilliant and blustery, thrilling and deeply recentering.

I was part of what is called a “Fam Tour” which is where a group of writers and media come together to learn more about a particular area so that they can share it with readers like you. I really love these sorts of trips because I get to see the inside scoop of resorts and activities, and bring those trade secrets straight to my audience. I also love to connect with other people who do what I do- writing and creating media can be a lonely job when you work for yourself. Having a week with “coworkers” can be incredibly refreshing and inspiring.

Fall colors at Running Y from my balcony

My trip began with a shot South down Highway 97. I live in Sunriver so the drive to Klamath is only 2 hours down a very straight road. However, I left in a heavy rain that soon turned to ice and slush. The joys of driving in Oregon in November- it’s a mixed bag. Luckily, I have a great Jeep and a lot of cold weather driving skills from growing up in snow country.

I arrived at Running Y Resort- I’ve heard a lot about this destination but it was my first time visiting. This property is 3,600 acres of pristine lakeside wilderness. There is an 18 hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course, pool, spa, fitness center, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a covered ice rink! There is so much to do right on the property.

My room was located within the main lodge and was super spacious with a full kitchenette, cozy seating area next to a large fireplace, separate king size bedroom and walk-in closet, gorgeous tiled shower and my favorite part- a balcony overlooking the snow covered hills and fall foliage.

They feature a drink in honor of Kingsley Field Air Nation Guard! RBF….hmmm

I settled in with a visit to the bar and restaurant located right below my room. I had salmon with spicy mango salsa and a tall glass of bubbling soda water. Then I retired to my room to take advantage of a little down time before meeting my crew for a full day of adventure.

The next morning we met bright and early in the restaurant to get to know one another and have breakfast. Writers from all over Oregon had traveled in by plane (there is an airport in Medford) and car to come see what Klamath is all about. Our first item of business after introductions was to discuss Crater Lake National Park. It was our intention to visit this scenic wonderland but the previous day's storm had covered the roads in nearly 2 feet of fresh snow.

Starting our adventure day at The Ruddy Duck

Nothing like a cool breeze and beautiful view to make you feel alive! Hiking at Spence Mountain

Luckily, there is no shortage of things to do in the area so we geared up for a short hike at Spence Mountain. This area has several miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The trails offer views of Upper Klamath Lake and the surrounding foothills. The weather was a little wild with a mix of snow and heavy raindrops- however the forest was bright and smelled crisp like the holidays. This was the perfect warm up for our next adventure.

Crater Lake Zipline hosted our next adventure.

Crater Lake Zipline is located just a short drive from Spence Mountain and has a variety of fun things to do. As we stepped into the warm yurt headquarters our guide welcomed us and explained that this is the 14th best zipline in the whole world (out of more than 8,000) Their 9 line course offers some of the best views of Klamath County. This adrenaline pumping experience takes you soaring through and above the tree tops with added challenges like a rappel line and suspension bridges. The course was shut down for the season otherwise I would have jumped right on! I love ziplines, although it took me more than a few times to get used to the fear. If you have not tried ziplining before I highly recommend the thrill, especially with a group of friends or family.

Taking a Polaris tour to see the ziplines at Crater Lake Zipline

The view of Upper Klamath Lake from the highest zipline on the property. Wow!

Crater Lake Zipline also has axe throwing, guided hikes, star tours, and clear bottom kayaking. The business is family owned and you can feel both the love and extreme care that goes into making their adventure playground safe and fun for everyone who visits.

Clear bottom kayaking on Upper Klamath Lake was so much fun.

They also offer clear-bottom kayaking, something that has become a bit of a side quest for me to find in Oregon. Yes, they even light the boats with LED strips so that you can paddle at night under the stars. The clear bottom of the boat makes it so you can see plants, fish, and even the swirling of underwater springs.

Kayaking on Upper Klamath Lake in late autumn is a sight to see

Our paddle this day was on Upper Klamath lake at a place called Monroe Springs. We had the put-in and water all to ourselves except for the shaking leaves of one of the biggest, most brilliant aspen groves I have ever seen. This is a magical forest teeming with birds and beavers! We timed the excursion just right as the rain stayed away the entire time we paddled on the lake, about an hour and a half.

The aspen grove at Monroe Springs on Upper Klamath Lake

We were able to explore beaver lodges and the springs themselves. The pinetree hills were topped like frosting with fresh snow which set off the golden leaves of the aspen grove. Watching the misty clouds roll across the distance while gliding across the pristine waters was a scene I will not soon forget. November in Klamath is alive and exhilarating. I loved this paddle!

Our bus drive back to Running Y- not too bad!

Still, we managed to get soaked through by the end of our tour and were more than happy to pile onto our tour bus and head back to Running Y to rest before our three course meal. Some of us hit up the pool and sauna, I chose to take a hot shower and enjoy my flip-a- switch fireplace. Rest is bliss, I’ve been trying to embrace downtime while I travel.

Dinner was served on the third floor in a banquet room dressed in sprigs of evergreen and frosted willows. Lynelle Lynch, the current owner of Running Y joined us to discuss the resort and its plans for the future.

Our chef prepared dinner was incredible! Dungeness crab and citrus salad, Rosemary and fig game hen, and poached pears with port wine ice cream all expertly paired with local Oregon wines for each course. This was such a treat to get to open up and chat with fellow writers about how we create while tasting all the locally sourced foods.

Cornish game hen at the Chef prepared dinner at Running Y Resort

I was able to chat with Lynelle about her interest and work in wellness and beauty. Her hope is to bring the realm of holistic health to Running Y. In the future we will see a brand new pool as well as more ways to recenter and connect to the earth and the land around us. Lynelle is who told me about the idea of a “cold vacation”: traveling to destinations to soak in the exhilaration and rejuvenation of winter climates. To be refreshed by the experiences available outside and rejuvenated by rest and restoration inside. Certainly, this whole trip matched this vibe and I felt the effects of a Cold Vacation on my spirit in a very uplifting refresh on my (somewhat weary) attitude.

Pears- a staple of Southern Oregon- served with pear port sauce, so good!

I must admit, the last few months and especially weeks have been a bit daunting on my mind. Working in social media can bring you a lot of stress, simply because you are interacting with the public every day. Collectively, 2024 has been a year of stresses and detours. I was hesitant to even go on this trip but looking back- I am so glad I did….mostly because of the next days activities.

Our crew stayed up quite late, sipping the last of the wine, and connecting by our own giant fireplace on the third floor. I needed to chat with industry folks more than I knew. It is often when we are alone that we feel our worst- and being with friends (old and new) can lift our heaviness and help us see things in a new light. I went to bed a little fuzzy but woke up with a new clarity.

Crater Lake National Park after an early season snow fall

Surprise! The roads had reopened to Crater Lake and so we decided to rent snowshoes and take on a very ambitious hike- a trek 1.5 miles up to the rim to see the deepest lake in the United States.

The further we drove into Crater Lake National Park the more snow there was.

Wild Oregon Girl enjoying the views from the tour bus!

Our bus drive up was full of more chatter about writing projects and travel, about motherhood and being single, substack subscribers, and beavers… however, when we got to the entrance of the park and saw the snow piled nearly 6 feet high all the talk stopped. There was nothing but awe!

Freshly cleared roads leave huge piles of snow in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake in winter gets nearly 50 feet of snow! The storm the night before had brought in the most powdery white shipment of magical snow ever. Combined with the cloudless blue sky is a striking contrast that leaves a lasting impression.

Closed road at Crater Lake Park Headquarters

Our bus driver usually drives the Crater Lake Trolley during summer months so he was very well versed on all things Klamath and The National Park. He stopped to show us some unique geological features and to take a picture by the big log sign entrance. We wound up to the Park Headquarters, as far as the road was open.

Cozy Crater Lake Park Headquarters in fresh snow

Inside the cozy lodge-like building were warm bathrooms, a gift shop, and a set of very helpful rangers. They explained our options for snow activities that day- a hike around The Lady of The Woods trail to get a feel for snow or take on The Raven Trail- a 2.5 mile out and back trail up 650 feet to the rim of the lake. The fresh snow would add an extra challenge to the trek but a few cross country skiers had come through, tamping down the path for us. Blue diamonds would be visible about 15 feet up in the trees to show us the way….were we ready?

Now, as an avid hiker in the backcountry I tend to prefer having a full pack of supplies for any hike but especially in winter and incremental weather. I was hesitant to take the journey without being fully prepared but my group was gungho and seeing the lake. I sucked it up, packed some extra water and gloves into my pack and we headed out.

Snowshoe hike at Crater Lake, worth the effort!

The hike was an effort! Snowshoeing up nearly 700 feet in fresh snow is a challenge but it’s fun. I fell twice into deep snow banks and rolled around staring up at trees completely covered in frosty white snow, little bumps on a vast landscape. The elevation tested my lungs but it was truly worth the effort. Once to the top- Crater Lake blooms like an ocean contained in an earthen mug.

Bucket list item done! Snowshoe to the rim of Crater Lake!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- there is no truer blue on the planet, I’m sure of it. Crater Lake is fed only by rain and snowmelt, it is nearly unblemished in its purity. I could go on and on…. But today the windchill factor on top of the measly 21 degrees that it was- kept us from lingering too long. That and one of us had a flight to catch- so it was a race to the bottom.

What had taken us 90 minutes to climb up took us only 30 minutes to slide down in our shoes. We were all thankful for that because there was still one more adventure on our books.

Classic log cabin vibes at Lake of The Woods Resort

A drive to Lake Of The Woods to stay in a cabin tucked next to an alpine lake.

Cabin #7 at Lake Of The Woods, a rustic and romantic little getaway

Lake of The Woods Resort is a rustic getaway set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Mcloughlin. I’ve stopped here a few times on my trips from Southern Oregon to Bend and it’s always been the best place to stop. I have never stayed here though so I was very excited to see what the cabins were really like.

Waking up to views of Mt. McLoughlin at Lake Of The Woods took my breath away

I was the first of my party to arrive,I was adamant about catching the last of the day’s light against the lake. Lowlight photography is one of my favorite mediums and the landscape came alive next to the twinkling white lights on the log buildings of the resort.

This cabin at Lake of The Woods is so cute and comfy

There is a general store and a main lodge with a restaurant. Tiny wood cabins are tucked into the massive pines here. The lake is so serene, surrounded by mountains and trees, you could stare at this beautiful scenery forever.

I checked in and was assigned Cabin 7- an adorable bungalow at the end of a cul de sac of cabins that looked the same. Welcome home! Opening the door I was greeted by a warm feeling- a log bed, plug in fireplace, tv, bathroom and the best part- a gigantic jetted tub. Romantic!

The enormous jetted tub in my cabin was a dream come true after my big hike!

I settled in, took a shower and wandered down to meet my crew for a celebratory dinner to wrap things up. Our table was set in a nook called The Mt. Mcloughlin Room. The lodge is decorated exactly as it should be with pictures of the local mountains, canoes, snowshoes and wooden bears.

The delightful seasonal beverages at Lake Of The Woods will warm you up quick!

The menu was full of so many comfort foods I could not decide- prime rib, mac and cheese, ribs, salmon, wings, hummus, chowder- the list goes on. Now, they have this figured out right- to have a stellar menu coupled with a (I’m sorry there is no other explanation) kick ass bar! If you're going to be tucked in tight on a snow mountain next to a lake you want to eat and drink to your heart's content.

Chowder, so good on a Friday night in the mountains.

Lots of comfort food to choose from. I went with Mac and Cheese and Red Snapper.

Their seasonal cocktail menu was full of warming cups of cheer to match the sprinkling of holiday magic that dressed the windows and banisters. The meal passed quickly as a group of happily worn out writers sat and reminisced about the three days that had just passed them by. It’s funny how adventures can just make themselves- especially when weather is involved.

We wrapped up the night by a campfire under trees ready to party!

Me & Mt. McLoughlin at Lake of The Woods

I think the highlight of the trip had to be the epic snowshoe trip up Crater Lake, that is hard to beat- but this whole valley and mountains around Klamath are truly a unique and treasured part of Oregon. The wildlife and expansive vistas, the lake and trails, relaxing lodges and wide variety of outdoor activities make this an unforgettable destination- with something for everyone.

If you would like to learn more about the history of this area you can read my other blog posts about visiting Crater Lake in the fall.

Visting Klamath Oregon in Winter

Travel Southern Oregon: Roseburg

Silvie’s Valley Ranch